Opioids

* Chronic opioid use is a common but underappreciated cause of androgen deficiency in men. * Opioids suppress the gonadal axis mainly by inhibiting GnRH synthesis and secretion. The prevalence of opioid-induced androgen deficiency in men varies between 20% and 80% and is influenced by the type...

Increased prescription of opioid medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone has led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids. But did you know that opioid misuse can significantly impact the endocrine system? The Endocrine Society recently published a scientific...

FIGURE 1 Direct and indirect mechanisms by which opioids cause hypogonadism. +, stimulation; -, inhibition; FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone; PRL, prolactin; T, testosterone. Opioid-induced androgen deficiency in men...

ABSTRACT Objective Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) have reduced life expectancy and inferior outcomes when treated for depression, diabetes, and fractures. Their elevated risk of testosterone deficiency may contribute to all of these relationships, however few individuals prescribed...

Testosterone deficiency, the unrecognized consequence of the opioid epidemic in men (2022) Janine David, GP and Associate Specialist in Andrology; Mike Kirby, Editor Testosterone deficiency resulting from chronic opioid use can have a profound effect on health and quality of life, but it often...