Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Demonstration of the Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility Tool for Rapid Assessment of Protein Conservation
Published on: February 10, 2023
Chronic use of opioids and the endocrine system
1Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre, Barnsley Foundation Hospital, Barnsley, UK. z.merza@nhs.net
Abstract:
Opioids are widely used for the management of acute and chronic pain. They are also abused for recreational purposes. Long term use may lead to abnormalities in the endocrine system. The axis mainly affected is the gonadal axis leading to hypogonadism. However adrenal insufficiency and growth hormone deficiency can also occur with evidence that other hormones are affected to a lesser extent. No large randomised controlled trials have been performed; however, evidence from several small studies on heroin addicts and chronic pain patients support the above. Hence it is important to consider hormonal abnormalities in patients on long term opioids and if suspected appropriate assessment would be warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Opioid Receptors: Overview
An Overview of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system collaborates...
The Endocrine System

