A new study in Communications Medicine links cannabis use in young men to changes in steroid metabolism. The researchers observed higher levels of several testicular androgens, including testosterone, but emphasize that the study design cannot prove causation.
Blood samples from 47 cannabis users were compared with 47 controls
The study included young Swiss men aged 18 to 23. Researchers compared serum samples from 47 individuals who tested positive for THC with 47 control participants. Using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, LC-MS/MS, they analyzed a broad range of endogenous steroids.
In total, 70 steroids met the researchers’ quality criteria. Seven major steroids were quantified more precisely, while the others were analyzed as relative concentrations. The aim was to obtain a more detailed picture of how cannabis use may be associated with the male endocrine system.
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Higher levels of testosterone and other testicular androgens
The researchers report that cannabis users had higher levels of androstenedione, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. These compounds are part of androgen metabolism and are central to male reproductive function.
The pattern was not the same for all androgens. The so-called C11-oxy androgens, which are mainly linked to adrenal steroid production, did not show clear changes. According to the researchers, this may suggest that cannabis use is primarily associated with changes in testicular steroidogenesis rather than a general effect on all hormone pathways.
Two progesterone metabolites stood out in the analysis
The study also found markedly elevated levels of two progesterone-related metabolites: 11β-hydroxyprogesterone and 5β-dihydroprogesterone. The latter showed a dose-related association when cannabis users were stratified by exposure biomarkers.
The researchers describe the findings as biologically interesting but not yet fully explained. The functional significance of these metabolites in male reproductive biology remains unclear and needs further investigation.
The results show association, not cause and effect
Because the study is cross-sectional, it cannot determine whether cannabis causes the hormone changes. The researchers mention several possible explanations, including direct effects in the testes, effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, or reverse causality, where men with higher testosterone levels may be more likely to use cannabis.
The findings also apply to a limited group of young Swiss men and cannot automatically be generalized to women, older people or other populations. The researchers state that follow-up studies are needed to confirm the findings and understand the possible mechanisms.
Source
Cannabis consumption is associated with altered steroid metabolism in young men
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