TITLE:
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Restoring the HPG Axis in Pain Patients Treated with Long-Term Opioid Analgesics
AUTHORS:
Srinivas Nalamachu, Joseph V. Pergolizzi Jr., Robert Taylor Jr., Jo Ann Le Quang, Joseph V. Pergolizzi III, Robert B. Raffa
KEYWORDS:
Opioid Therapy, Chronic Pain, HPG Axis, Hormone Replacement Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.9 No.11,
November
13,
2018
ABSTRACT: Opioids are a treatment option for a variety of
chronic pain conditions. But long-term opioid use can be associated with side
effects, including hypogonadism. Opioid-induced hypogonadism (OIhG) is
associated with the alteration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
(HPG). In males, hypogonadism can result in erectile dysfunction, reduced
libido, fatigue, worsening mood, and increased risk of osteoporosis; in
females, it can result in changes in the menstrual cycle and reduced libido,
among other effects. A current treatment option for these patients is hormone
replacement therapy. In this report, we discuss the problem of opioid-induced hypogonadism, and the therapeutic approach
and the potential complications of treating pain patients using hormone
replacement therapy.