There is an established connection between long-term opioid use and low testosterone levels among men. Short-acting opioids are less associated with this effect, but methadone and other long-acting opioids are known to cause lower testosterone levels. In one study, 81 men at Kaiser Permanente Northern California were referred to a doctor with hypogonadism in Tarzana, CA.
Can long term opioid use cause low testosterone?
Studies have indicated that opioid use is associated with decreased levels of testosterone. Although evidence of this relationship is still emerging, recent studies have found that the risk of low testosterone increases significantly for long-term opioid users. One such study found that the amount of testosterone in opioid users was significantly lower than that of healthy men. Normally, testosterone levels in men range between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL.
Researchers have discovered that men who use long-acting opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are more likely to suffer from low testosterone than men who use short-acting opioids. Long-term opioid use depletes testosterone levels, making it necessary to take testosterone replacement therapy to boost your levels. This can help improve your overall health and prevent further complications. Men who experience low testosterone often experience significant symptoms, including low sex drive and reduced energy levels. Low testosterone levels may also lead to weight gain, which can cause serious health conditions. It can even be hard to participate in activities you enjoy.
Researchers have also shown that opioids affect the luteinizing hormone, which is involved in the production of testosterone. Opioids cause endocrine changes as early as four hours after a dose. However, this effect is reversible after 24 hours. The impact is more pronounced with high-dose narcotics, but the reduction is still small.
What are two effects of long term opioid use?
Long-term use of opioids can cause a range of adverse health effects. These include an increased risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death. Although these effects are often subtle, they can be difficult to miss. A few of the most common adverse effects are listed below.
Long-term use of opioids can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Both of these conditions can feed into an addiction and make it harder to stop. Treatment for these mental effects can reduce the likelihood of further misuse. Opioid addiction is a chronic disorder, but it is treatable.
Opioid use can also have long-term negative effects on the central nervous system and gastrointestinal system. Chronic use of opioids increases the risk of death and leads to an increased risk of overdose and addiction. Moreover, opioids can alter the development of cancer.
What drug can reduce testosterone levels?
There are various treatments available in the market to reduce testosterone levels in men. For example, ketoconazole, an antifungal drug, blocks the production of androgens in the adrenal glands. Although this medication is effective, it can cause other side effects, including lower testosterone levels. This treatment is usually used in men who are suffering from advanced prostate cancer.
Another option is the use of the LHRH antagonists, which act on the pituitary gland to reduce testosterone levels. These drugs can be taken by the patient once daily and may help to lessen the number of office visits. Unlike orchiectomy, LHRH agonists do not cause the tumor to flare.
Some other conditions can also cause low testosterone levels in men. These conditions may be caused by metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, or cancer treatments. Low levels of testosterone can also be caused by certain medications, including those prescribed for depression and chemotherapy. In rare cases, a pituitary abnormality may also be the cause of your symptoms. In such a case, further testing is required.
What symptoms can low testosterone cause?
Low testosterone can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of these conditions are age-related, while others can be attributed to conditions such as thyroid problems or obesity. It’s important to see a health care provider for a diagnosis. Some common symptoms of low testosterone include difficulty getting or maintaining erections during sexual activity, fewer morning erections, and fatigue and low energy.
A low testosterone level may also cause mood swings. This may make it difficult to focus or finish tasks, such as work. This can lead to stress, which can lower testosterone levels. Stress also increases cortisol levels, which may impair hormone regulation. In severe cases, low testosterone levels may even lead to bone degeneration.
Males with low testosterone may experience hot flashes, which are sudden bursts of heat and redness in the skin. Heavy sweating and night sweats are other common symptoms of low testosterone. Low testosterone can also cause men to lose body hair. Although balding is a natural process for men, losing body hair is a common symptom of low testosterone.
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