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How Does Cannabis Affect Hormones?

human brain model with leafwell's logo and color as backround

Article written by

Dipak HemrajHead of Research and Education

Content reviewed by

Dr. Lewis Jassey

Table of contents

  1. Cannabis affects hormones through the ECS
  2. The influence of cannabis on the adrenal system
  3. Cannabis and the thyroid system
  4. How cannabis affects female reproductive health
  5. The effects of cannabis on male reproductive health
  6. Cannabis and pregnancy
  7. Cannabis and the growth hormone axis
  8. The bottom line: Cannabis may have positive and negative effects on hormones
  9. Frequently asked questions
  10. Resources

How cannabis affects your hormones

Cannabis affects every system of the body, including our hormones. Produced by our endocrine system, hormones are neurotransmitters essential for many bodily functions. These chemical messengers carry instructions to organs and tissues, enabling them to perform numerous roles that keep our bodies working optimally.

Hormones impact many functions including physical growth, blood sugar levels, reproductive function, and mood. They’re secreted by the glands of the endocrine system, which works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS influences how our body regulates itself and how we experience cannabis.

Like many medications, cannabis can impact hormone production either positively or negatively depending on how it’s used. It’s crucial to understand the role that cannabis plays in hormonal balance, and whether or not any of these effects could adversely impact you.

Cannabis affects hormones through the ECS

The ECS regulates physiological processes, and it uses cannabinoids like THC and CBD to produce various health benefits through this regulatory function. Cannabinoids in cannabis bind to cannabinoid receptors and other receptors in various systems of the body, including the endocrine system.

While we don’t fully understand how cannabis and the endocannabinoid system interact with the endocrine system, we do know that these interactions occur.  For example, we can see the effect of cannabis on hormones like insulin, cortisol, and serotonin.

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The influence of cannabis on the adrenal system

adrenal system

Cannabis can impact the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Despite the long name, the HPA axis is one of the most well-known hormonal systems. It’s most often associated with flight-or-fight response and stress.

The HPA axis produces cortisol,  aptly nicknamed the “stress hormone,” as its job is to regulate stress response. Cortisol also helps control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and assist memory formation.

However, high cortisol levels can be harmful. Eventually, chronically high cortisol can lead to inflammation, weight gain, insomnia, and compromised cognitive functions. People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically show elevated cortisol levels as well, resulting in an overactive fight-or-flight response.

When taken properly, THC and CBD can reduce cortisol production, lowering the body’s response to stress. On the other hand, too much THC may exacerbate anxiety in some individuals, which is why thoughtful dosing is key.

The HPA axis also releases the hormone adrenaline, and animal studies show that THC may suppress the release of adrenaline. This could dampen the flight-or-fight response, resulting in lower stress levels.

Another hormone released by the HPA axis is serotonin. This hormone regulates mood, memory, sleep, digestion, and certain muscular functions. Low serotonin levels can cause agitation, migraine, insomnia, and carbohydrate cravings. However, high serotonin levels can cause agitation, confusion, and sedation.

Cannabinoids like CBD and THC may keep serotonin levels in balance through their relationship with the brain’s serotonin receptors, which is one reason why cannabis may be suggested to people with depression.

One thing to keep in mind is that long-term cannabis use may blunt the morning spike of cortisol called cortisol awakening response (CAR). This is one reason why some people feel groggy the morning after consuming cannabis.

Cannabis and the thyroid system

The next axis, hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT), regulates thyroid function and maintains metabolic rate, heart and digestive functions, muscle control, brain development, and bone health. This axis is essential for controlling our bodies’ metabolism, including our internal core temperature. The HPT axis also affects weight, skin, and hair.

The thyroid gland releases two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Some animal studies suggest that THC may inhibit thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is responsible for the production of T3 and T4. Low circulating TSH levels can lead to symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, such as anxiety, insomnia, excessive thirst, muscle weakness, and an abnormal menstrual cycle.

As mentioned, the HPT axis impacts weight. Cannabis users generally have a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to non-cannabis users, widely believed to be due to the relationship between cannabinoids in cannabis and metabolic rate.

Several other potential benefits of cannabis are related to thyroid function. For example, a mixture of THC and CBD at the correct dosage may help improve mood, as depression can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, and may also reduce anxiety, which can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Beyond that, many people find that the stress-relieving properties of cannabis increase their libido while benefiting sleep. On that note, let’s explore how cannabis can impact reproductive health.

How cannabis affects female reproductive health

cannabis and female reproductive health

The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis plays a vital role in maintaining optimal functioning and health of tissues in the body. It also oversees functions related to reproductive health and is crucial to female fertility.

The ECS oversees many aspects of human reproduction. In women, it influences the egg transport throughout the menstrual cycle and the embryo implementation during conception. And, it doesn’t stop there, as the ECS is involved in many pathways post-implantation.

Through its interaction with the ECS, THC may reduce hormone levels in the HPG axis, leading to infertility in both men and women. THC can slow follicular maturation, which is a crucial step before ovulation. THC might also decrease the luteinizing hormone (LH), which is essential for releasing an egg from the ovary. If you’re trying to conceive, this may mean that it’s best to abstain from cannabis.

During ovulation, the body releases the endocannabinoid anandamide. Cannabis may cause the body to produce too much anandamide, which could throw other reproductive hormones out of balance.

But, cannabis also offers benefits that can be immensely helpful to those with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). In particular, a combination of THC and CBD may reduce mood swings, cramps, and headaches/migraines. Other compounds in cannabis, including terpenes and flavonoids, may enhance these effects through their beneficial properties.

While we do know that cannabis has the potential to disrupt certain reproductive functions, there remains little real-world evidence of it doing so. It’s also worth mentioning that the jury’s still out as to cannabis’ effect on estrogen, as studies show conflicting results.

The effects of cannabis on male reproductive health

Testosterone is a crucial hormone that’s vital for male reproductive health. Testosterone also increases muscle mass, bone mass, and body hair.

According to some researchers, prolonged marijuana use may decrease testosterone levels. However, conflicting studies indicate that plasma testosterone levels are only minimally impacted by cannabis, and one study even suggests cannabis may increase testosterone levels in the short term. More research is needed in this area.

Some research shows that frequent cannabis users have lower prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that’s best known for enabling lactation, but for men, high levels of prolactin can cause erectile dysfunction and low sex drive, while reducing testosterone production.

Beyond that, cannabis may reduce sperm motility, disrupting the ability to achieve conception. It can also lower sperm counts. A report from Georgetown University Medical Center points out that the ECS plays a role in sperm count, motility, and viability. According to the report, sperm in cannabis users may be overstimulated, causing “burnout” in which it travels at a slower-than-average pace. This could prevent sperm from making contact with the egg.

THC may also reduce sperm functionality due to small amounts of THC in the vaginal fluid of female cannabis users. Theoretically, when sperm comes into contact with this small amount of THC, the THC absorbs the sperm, turning it into overstimulated sperm.

From the evidence we have so far, it’s clear that cannabis has the potential to negatively impact fertility, both in males and females. So far, it appears that THC affects male fertility more, but this area of research is young.

Cannabis and pregnancy

cannabis and pregnancy

When it comes to taking cannabis during pregnancy, most research is discouraging. Studies show that cannabis use during pregnancy can pose neurodevelopmental risks to the fetus, and similar risks to a baby during breastfeeding.

Some researchers also believe that CBD may decrease uterine compressions which are essential for managing postpartum bleeding.

Cannabis and the growth hormone axis

The impact of cannabis on growth hormone levels has led to another area of concern: whether cannabis can stunt growth. The growth hormone (GH) axis, or insulin-like growth factor axis, produces the growth hormones somatotropin and insulin. Somatotropin stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration, and metabolism. Insulin regulates blood glucose levels by absorbing glucose into the liver, fat, and skeletal muscles.

An imbalance of growth hormone levels can lead to various negative impacts on human development, which is one reason why medical marijuana for minors is somewhat controversial.

The GH axis helps regulate brain development, including neurogenesis (new neuron growth) and neuroprotection (i.e., the prevention and reversal of neuron damage). THC, CBD, and THCV can be very useful in promoting neurogenesis for older people. However, for young people, brain development can be negatively impacted, as teenage cannabis users have shown lower cognitive skills.

The bottom line: Cannabis may have positive and negative effects on hormones

The endocannabinoid system shares a close relationship with the endocrine system, and so compounds in the cannabis plant may affect hormone levels. Evidence shows that it could be harmful to fertility and some reproductive functions, particularly when consumed too frequently.

At the same time, medical cannabis may offer relief to those struggling with symptoms related to hormonal disorders, including weight gain, pre-menstrual symptoms, and more. Consuming the whole plant may be particularly beneficial, offering a combination of the plant’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which could mitigate some of the adverse effects THC has on hormones.

To explore the possible benefits that cannabis can have on hormones, it’s best to play around with various strains and dosage amounts. By obtaining a medical marijuana card through Leafwell, you can speak to a licensed telehealth professional who will guide you in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

Does marijuana lower testosterone?

It’s long been believed that frequent cannabis use may lower testosterone levels in the body, which could potentially lead to infertility issues, hair loss, loss of libido, and a decrease in muscle and bone mass. Unfortunately, this is a relatively new area of research. Some researchers theorize that cannabis might increase testosterone levels, at least temporarily.

If you are concerned about low testosterone levels from cannabis use, you can speak to your physician for more guidance.

Does weed cause hormonal imbalance?

It’s possible that cannabis use can result in hormonal imbalance, as the body’s endocannabinoid system affects endocrine function. However, research on this topic is still ongoing, and we know that cannabis may improve several symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, including symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).

Do edibles affect ovulation?

Edibles and other types of cannabis products may have a negative impact on ovulation and other aspects of female fertility. Some studies show that THC negatively influences hormones involved in ovulation, including the luteinizing hormone (LH) which is responsible for releasing the egg from the ovary.

Resources

Effects of Cannabis on the Adolescent Brain: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3930618/

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