Opioid-Induced Endocrinopathy

Opioid-induced endocrinopathy (OIE) is a condition which is estimated to affect more Americans than other common comorbid conditions such as heart disease and diabetes combined. It is an important and often unrecognized cause of endocrinopathy, and can result in various clinical manifestations such as sexual dysfunction, amenorrhea, osteoporosis, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, gynecomastia, anemia, and depression. It is essential to increase awareness of the OIE and the adverse effects of the long-term opioid therapy as they should not be overlooked in the treatment of chronic pain, so there is an expectation that the medical benefits of the chronic opioid therapy, in fact, outweigh its potential risks and side effects.