Why do opioids cause low testosterone?

Narcotics can reduce the serum testosterone levels by acting on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, thereby suppressing the release of gonadotrophins [10]. Low testosterone levels can affect pain control leading to hyperalgesia, mood impairment, fatigue, and depression.

What causes androgen deficiency?

Causes of androgen deficiency include problems of the testes, pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Androgen deficiency is treated with testosterone replacement therapy.

How do opioids affect hormones?

In humans and laboratory animals, opioids generally increase GH and prolactin and decrease LH, testosterone, estradiol, and oxytocin. In humans, opioids increase TSH, whereas in rodents, TSH is decreased.

What causes excess androgens in females?

In healthy women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 40% to 50% of the body’s testosterone. Tumors of the ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can both cause too much androgen production. Cushing disease is a problem with the pituitary gland that leads to excess amounts of corticosteroids.

What causes low androgen levels in females?

Reasons for androgen deficiency in women Hypopituitarism, a deficiency of hormones in the pituitary gland, and bilateral oophorectomy, the removal of a woman’s ovaries through surgery (known as an oophorectomy), can also cause severe androgen deficiency. Natural menopause can also lead to androgen deficiency.

Is opioid-induced hypogonadism reversible?

Opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD) is a common yet under diagnosed adverse effect of chronic opioid use. Hypogonadism is frequently seen with opioid use and can occur quickly; however, it is generally considered reversible.

How do opioids affect the pituitary gland?

Acute administration of opioids stimulates prolactin release from the anterior pituitary through an effect at the hypothalamus. This effect can be blocked by metoclopramide, suggesting that it is mediated through dopaminergic mechanisms. The effect of long-term administration of opioids on prolactin is less clear.

What triggers androgen production?

The adrenal causes of excess production of androgens are Cushing syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and adrenal tumours. Tumours (including cancers) of the interstitial cells and other cells of the ovary are a rare cause of androgen excess in women.