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Opioid Interference with Hypothalamic-Pituitary Function

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Pituitary Disorders throughout the Life Cycle

Abstract

Opioid use has significantly increased over the past two decades leading to a rise in the recognition and reporting of opioid-induced endocrinopathies, which, however, continue to be underdiagnosed. Opioids exert various effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary function. Hypogonadism is their most prevalent endocrine adverse effect, while hypoadrenalism, although rare, requires attention and should not be overlooked. Hyperprolactinemia can also be detected. Opioid use is not associated with thyroid dysfunction. Data on other hypothalamic-pituitary axes are scarce and inconsistent. Assessment of gonadal and adrenal function is recommended in opioid users, especially when hypogonadism and/or hypoadrenalism is clinically suspected. Discontinuation or reduction of opioid and appropriate hormone replacement are the recommended management options.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Osamah A. Hakami, Athanasios Fountas & Niki Karavitaki

  2. Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK

    Osamah A. Hakami, Athanasios Fountas & Niki Karavitaki

  3. Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

    Osamah A. Hakami, Athanasios Fountas & Niki Karavitaki

Authors
  1. Osamah A. Hakami
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  2. Athanasios Fountas
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  3. Niki Karavitaki
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Correspondence to Niki Karavitaki .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Susan L. Samson

  2. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Adriana G. Ioachimescu

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Hakami, O.A., Fountas, A., Karavitaki, N. (2022). Opioid Interference with Hypothalamic-Pituitary Function. In: Samson, S.L., Ioachimescu, A.G. (eds) Pituitary Disorders throughout the Life Cycle. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99918-6_27

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99918-6_27

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-99918-6

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