‍Hidden Dangers: Do Drugs and Substances Affect Testosterone Levels?

Your hormones require constant nurturing to stay in balance and are a direct result of your diet and lifestyle. Substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as drugs, can affect your testosterone levels and trigger uncomfortable symptoms.

While recreational drugs can have countless side effects on your health and testosterone, some prescription drugs also adversely impact the male hormone. In some instances, the use of prescription drugs becomes illicit when individuals don’t take them as prescribed and develop a dependency.

You should always inform your doctor about all the medications you’re taking and allow him insight into your overall medical history — even when he’s only treating you for one condition. This way, even unintentional drug interactions can be avoided and your hormone levels remain untouched.

Now let’s explore what drugs and substances can affect your testosterone in the first place.

‍

What are Recreational Drugs?

The main distinction between recreational drugs and prescription drugs is that recreational drugs are primarily taken for their psychoactive effects instead of medical purposes. While some can be purchased legally, many remain illicit drugs.

The three main subcategories of recreational drugs include (1) stimulants, (2) depressants, and (3) psychotropics. As the name suggests, stimulants stimulate the response of the nervous system and can enhance performance. Some stimulants are incredibly common and consumed by many people, including caffeine.

Depressants, in turn, reduce brain activity and hence calm anxiety, promote sleep and improve muscle spasms. Abuse of depressants is high as individuals can quickly develop a dependency.

Psychotropic drugs impact the brain function and trigger changes in awareness and mood. There are countless illicit psychotropics, like amphetamines and cocaine, but they also include nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana.

‍

Do Recreational Drugs Affect Testosterone Levels?

Recreational drugs can no doubt influence your hormonal balance especially since hypothalamic neurotransmitters can be generated or released through drug use. Drugs also directly impact the function of the gonads which are responsible for the production of testosterone production and sperm synthesis.

Those drugs that lower testosterone production, further exert effects on the male reproductive system. Changes caused to certain hormones, like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) can then lead to a decreased sex drive and the inability to ejaculate.

‍

Does Marijuana Lower Testosterone?

The effects of marijuana are especially visible in the hypothalamus and from there can disrupt the function of the gonadotropins and testosterone production. Marijuana’s active ingredient THC can further impact fertility, lower your libido, and affect spermatogenesis.

A reanalysis of existing research data concluded that testosterone levels were reduced after both smoking marijuana and intravenously taking a pharmacologically active component of marijuana. A minimum of 24 hours are needed for testosterone levels to recuperate and return to baseline.

‍

Cocaine Effects on Testosterone

Consistent use of cocaine has been linked to a disruption in your hormonal system and long-term use has been associated with testosterone deficiency. High levels of cocaine have been shown to plummet after binge-using the drug.

Research also found that acute cocaine administration led to a modified stress response due to changes in neuroendocrine processes. Another study that looked into the effects of cocaine on testosterone noted a reduction in plasma testosterone at varying time points.

‍

Prescription Drugs that Affect Testosterone

Recreational drugs aren’t the only drugs that can affect your testosterone levels as some prescription drugs can further trigger a reduction in testosterone synthesis. But what drugs exactly will affect testosterone?

One study that looked into the effects of antidepressants found that of the six most common SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) investigated, all resulted in lower testosterone levels.

Antihistamines, commonly used for allergy symptoms and available over the counter, have been shown to potentially lead to male infertility, reducing sperm quality as well as testosterone levels.

Further research that analyzed statin drugs — which reduce triglycerides and promote cardiovascular disease prevention, has found statins to lower testosterone as a side effect. 

Additional meds that may impact the male hormone can vary and include chemotherapy drugs, glucocorticoids, and drugs like Cimetidine and Ketoconazole.

‍

Alcohol and Testosterone

Frequent alcohol intake is associated with a multitude of adverse health effects and can have detrimental consequences. It has been linked to heart disease, liver cirrhosis, and certain types of cancers — among others. In addition, alcohol and testosterone are also interconnected and can impact your hormones.

A recent review identified the effects of chronic heavy alcohol intake and found a negative relationship between alcohol and testosterone production. Low testosterone levels were a direct result of increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Oxidative stress and a higher amount of inflammation further add to the reduction in testosterone levels.

‍

Smoking and Testosterone

Smoking tobacco products can have a wide array of negative effects on your health with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stating that it is a key contributor to certain types of cancer, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It also emphasizes that it can have adverse effects on almost every single organ, making its damage wide-reaching.

When it comes to your hormones, more research is needed to solidify tentative findings and explore the details of the complex relationship between smoking and testosterone. 

However, a study comparing long-term heavy smokers with non-smokers determined that, in the long run, smokers experienced a more significant drop in testosterone as they grew older. While a reduction in testosterone is normal with age, chronic smokers experienced a more significant decline.

‍

Avoid the Hidden Dangers of Drugs and Substances

Whether you’re taking prescription meds or are using drugs recreationally, know there are always side effects or potentially serious consequences. Whether it’s the effects of cocaine on testosterone, tobacco on your cardiovascular system, or alcohol on your mental health — many drugs and substances have quite a wide reach and can influence countless parts of your body and health.

Medications prescribed by your doctor are not always exempt and can be among the drugs that affect your testosterone levels. Education and awareness are imperative and we’re here to help you on your educational journey!

Let’s discover more triggers that cause your testosterone levels to plummet. Sign up for our newsletter and learn more about testosterone health.

‍