Exogenous Opioids and the Human Endocrine System: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Niki Karavitaki - , University of Birmingham, Birmingham Health Partners, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (Author)
  • Jeffrey J. Bettinger - , Saratoga Hospital Medical Group (Author)
  • Nienke Biermasz - , Leiden University (Author)
  • Mirjam Christ-Crain - , University of Basel (Author)
  • Monica R. Gadelha - , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Author)
  • Warrick J. Inder - , Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane, University of Queensland (Author)
  • Elena Tsourdi - , Department of Internal Medicine III (Author)
  • Sarah E. Wakeman - , Harvard University (Author)
  • Maria Zatelli - , University of Ferrara (Author)

Abstract

The use and misuse of opioids are a growing global problem. Although the effects of these drugs on the human endocrine system have been studied for decades, attention on their related clinical consequences, particularly on the hypothalamic-pituitary system and bone health, has intensified over recent years. This Statement appraises research data related to the impact of opioids on the gonadal and adrenal function. Whereas hypogonadism is well recognized as a side effect of opioids, the significance of their inhibitory actions on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and the occurrence of clinically relevant adrenal insufficiency is not fully elucidated. The often-inconsistent results of studies investigating how opioids affect the secretion of GH, prolactin, arginine vasopressin, and oxytocin are assessed. The accumulating evidence of opioid actions on bone metabolism and their negative sequelae on bone mineral density and risk of fracture are also reviewed. In each section, available data on diagnostic and management approaches for opioid endocrine sequelae are described. This Statement highlights a plethora of gaps in research associated with the effects and clinical consequences of opioids on the endocrine system. It is anticipated that addressing these gaps will improve the care of people using or misusing opioids worldwide. The Statement is not intended to serve as a guideline or dictate treatment decisions.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)773-794
Number of pages22
JournalEndocrine reviews
Volume45
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 22 Nov 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 39441725

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • bones, hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, hypothalamic-pituitary, opiates, opioids