Opioids, medications for pain, have harmful effects on the endocrine system, and through a domino effect on reproductive, bone and adrenal health.
- Opioids can negatively impact hormonal health, according to the Endocrine Society.
- They can thus increase the risks of several reproductive, bone and adrenal disorders.
- The study authors call on doctors to pay attention to the endocrine health of their patients on opioids.
The Endocrine Society warns of a lack of knowledge and attention regarding the negative effects of opioid use on the endocrine system.
However, their work, published in the journal Endocrine Reviews on October 23, 2024, show that this painkiller can cause kidney, reproductive and bone complications.
Opioids: effects on reproductive, kidney and bone hormones
To get a clearer picture of the effects of opioids on hormonal health, scientists analyzed recent research carried out on the subject, and more particularly the impact of this drug on reproductive and renal hormones as well as bone health. They point out that while male hypogonadism (a disorder leading to low testosterone levels) is a well-studied side effect of opioids, others remain little known. They specify that these molecules could also be the cause of complications in the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The medications would, among other things, increase the risk of developing hyperprolactinemia (excessive increase in prolactin in the blood).
“The authors of the statement also evaluated how opioids affect the secretion of certain hormones to better understand the link between opioid use and endocrine diseases. These hormones include the growth hormone, arginine vasopressin (which regulates water balance of the body) and oxytocin (which plays a crucial role in the birthing process)”specify the press release.
Another observation: exogenous opioids have harmful effects on homeostasis and bone metabolism. These medications are, among other things, associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of fracture.
Opioids: vigilance on the hormonal health of consumers
For the researchers, their work highlights a lack of knowledge and research on the negative effects of opioid consumption on the endocrine system. They call for more work to be carried out on these subjects and above all for greater vigilance regarding the health of users.
“Physicians should be aware of these endocrine health consequences and monitor patients who use opioids more closely for signs and symptoms”explains Dr Niki Karavitaki from the University of Birmingham who worked on this synthesis.
“We hope to draw attention to recent research, including the impact of opioid use on gonadal, bone and adrenal diseases, to improve the endocrine health of people who use or abuse opioids worldwide “concludes the expert.
