ENDOCRINE STUDIES IN HEROIN-ADDICTS

In 10 heroin addicts actively taking the drug, 5 males, 5 females, a number of endocrine abnormalities were identified. These included especially: (1) Increased thyroid function manifested by high total T4 (and occasionally T3) and T3 resin uptake, and by blunted TSH response to TRH. (2) Changes in sex hormones, LH and FSH, and LH/FSH responsiveness to GnRH compatible with either primary gonadal failure or disturbance of the hypothalamopituitary regulations of the reproductive functions. (3) Abnormal increase in growth hormone in response to TRH/GnRH. (4) Occasionally increased baseline prolactin; blunted response or slightly increased responsiveness of PRL to TRH/GnRH. (5) No apparent change in the adrenocortical function. The results are best explained by multiglandular abnormalities due possibly to multiple effects of heroin on the endocrine system and its regulations. © 1979.