Opioids and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high prevalence of OIH, it remains underrecognized and undertreated with multiple endocrine and metabolic consequences. A reasonable approach in patients using opioids includes informing them of this complication and its potential consequences, screening for signs and symptoms of hypogonadism then sex hormone levels if prolonged opioid use > 3 months, and treating patients diagnosed with hypogonadism, if and when clinically indicated, with sex hormones if chronic opioids are planned to be continued for ≥ 6 months. PMID: 32770254 [PubMed - in process]
Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Source Type: research