Endocrine-related implications of opioid use

[madman]

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 statement titled, “Exogenous Opioids and the Human Endocrine System: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement.” The statement reviews data on the use and misuse of opioids and discusses recent research on the endocrine-related implications of opioid use. Host Aaron Lohr talks to one of the statement’s authors, Niki Karavitaki, MD, PhD, a professor from the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

 

[madman]

Thread 'Opioid-induced androgen deficiency in men: Prevalence, pathophysiology, and efficacy of testosterone therapy'

Feb 22, 2025

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.

Abstract

Background

Opioid analgesics are frequently prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain and are a common cause of male androgen deficiency. Despite its high prevalence, this adverse effect of chronic opioid use remains underappreciated by clinicians. As a result, androgen deficiency remains underdiagnosed...

• madman
• hypogonadism; opioids; testosterone; ed; screening
• Replies: 8
• Forum: Health & Wellness