Sex Drive and Hormones
At the heart of evolution is the process of sexual reproduction which involves contrasting sexual hormones. The male gender possesses Testosterone which enables production of gametes (sperm cells) which in turn fertilizes the female gamete (egg) which is produced by the presence of estrogen. The zygote is the cell formed by the union of these two hormonally influenced sex cells. The importance of these hormones in enabling reproductive possibilities is eminent, in a male with low testosterone levels the possibility of infertility arises and so on for the female levels of estrogen. These inevitable reproductive deficiencies cause hysteric reactions amongst those of the population desiring children. The massive public lore on the effects of marijuana on sperm count and hormonal levels has spurred current research. The current works pertain to the actual effects of marijuana and its active ingredient THC in particular on the reproductive system of men and its effect on hormones.
The cause of the widespread notion of marijuana causing lowered sperm counts and concurrent decreases in testosterone levels is thanks to research done by Kolodny in 1974 (Iversen, 2000). There have been follow up studies that found very minor effects on sperm production, yet no evidence from studies conducted since points to deficits in testosterone levels. It has been shown in animal studies that with the presence of high doses of THC comes suppression of male and female sex hormones being secreted (Iversen, 2000). Even though there appear to be short term effects of the drug inhibiting hormone release the effect seems to evaporate as the participants system becomes tolerant to the THC. One study revealed that there is a dense presence of cannabinoid receptors in both the testes of males and the uterus of females (Iversen, 2000). The existence of the cannabinoid receptors in these reproductive areas illuminates possible connections between the natural effects of Anandamide (body’s natural ligand that mimics THC) on reproduction and THC’s consequent use on reproductive behavior.
The pituitary gland in specific the anterior section of the gland release gonadotropins which facilitate further release of testosterone and estrogen by the testes and ovaries. The importance of the gonadotropins in regulating sperm production and in ovulation remain, however these luteinizing (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) can also be effected by THC. Murphy 2002 found that in human males marijuana ingestion decreased the presence of LH and FSH as well as concurrent testosterone levels (Grotehermen, 2002). These findings further the earlier research conducted by Iversen which was done on animals but could only be implicated in humans. In the case of Murphy no other studies revealed lower gonadotropin or testosterone secretion levels, so unfortunately a vast body of information available is still only pertinent to animal research. From the information collected thus far it appears that marijuana (THC) have an effect on the levels of hormonal secretions which in turn have an effect on the production and regulation of sex cells. This information is valuable in any instance, yet long term effects of use on these hormonal changes is not yet available. It is possible that over the course of prolonged use the body develops resiliency or tolerance for the THC and therefore no longer alters the body’s natural composition of hormones.