How to Treat Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency
It is widely recognized that prolonged use of opioids poses considerable risks, including addiction, tolerance, and various physical and emotional side effects. One lesser-known consequence is opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD), a condition where the long-term use of opioids inhibits the body’s natural production of testosterone and other sex hormones. Opioid induced androgen deficiency treatment primarily involves addressing the opioid use and potentially using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which has become an essential aspect of comprehensive addiction and pain management strategies.
Low testosterone from opioids can lead to a myriad of physical and psychological symptoms, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life. For individuals in recovery or those managing long-term pain from opioids, identifying and treating OPIAD can play a crucial role in restoring hormonal health and supporting long-term recovery and wellness.
Thankfully, there are evidence-based approaches and comprehensive addiction treatment programs available at Florida weekend rehab centers that can assist in managing this condition, including lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and strategies to cope with opioid use disorders (OUD).
What Is Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency (OPIAD)?
Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency (OPIAD) is a medical condition in which long-term use of opioids suppresses the body’s production of testosterone and other sex hormones. While it impacts both men and women, it is primarily recognized and researched in men because of the more apparent symptoms linked to low testosterone levels.
MedCentral reports that substantial evidence indicates that daily use of long-acting opioids for over a month can adversely affect human endocrine function, with the most significant and common consequences being androgen deficiencies and irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
Androgens, including testosterone, are vital for both genders, influencing a variety of bodily functions. Testosterone deficiency related to opioid use can lead to a range of symptoms in patients, such as:
- Low libido
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fatigue and low energy
- Depressed mood or irritability
- Reduces muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat
- Osteoporosis or reduced bone density
- Hot flashes
- Infertility
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Reduced motivation
- Brain fog
These symptoms of addiction to pain pills are often mistakenly attributed to other factors, such as aging or depression, making OPIAD easy to miss, especially in individuals facing physical and emotional difficulties due to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), including during withdrawal.
Furthermore, symptoms like fatigue, depression, and lack of motivation can complicate recovery from OUD, highlighting the importance of OPIAD treatment in effective addiction recovery programs.
How Do Opioids Affect Hormone Levels in the Body?
One of the lesser-known but serious side effects of long-term opioid use is its impact on the body’s hormone system, particularly the suppression of sex hormones. According to Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research, chronic opioid use suppresses the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis, resulting in secondary testosterone deficiency, known as opioid-induced androgen deficiency.
Opioids also impact the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, interfering with the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and can result in adrenal insufficiency.
The HPG axis system is responsible for regulating hormone production. Usually, the brain signals the pituitary gland to stimulate the testes in men and ovaries in women to produce sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
However, opioids interfere with this signaling process by binding to opioid receptors located in the hypothalamus, inhibiting the release of these hormones, resulting in what is known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or OPIAD.
This decrease in hormones often results in symptoms like fatigue, depression, reduced libido, and even decreased muscle mass in men. Women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, or early menopause. Both sexes can suffer from mood changes, weight gain, and bone density loss.
Who Is Most at Risk for Developing OPIAD?
While anyone who uses opioids is at risk for developing OPIAD, certain factors and populations are at an increased risk. Prolonged use of opioids or taking them in high doses significantly increases the chances of experiencing opioid-induced androgen deficiency and other hormonal disruptions, particularly in those with OUD.
Furthermore, extended-release or long-acting opioid formulations, which maintain more stable opioid levels in the body, can lead to greater hormonal suppression compared to immediate-release opioids.
Men are often more frequently diagnosed with OPIAD due to the more apparent symptoms linked to low testosterone. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with an OUD and represent the majority of opioid-related overdose cases.
Nevertheless, women are also significantly impacted. Although androgen levels may not be as frequently emphasized, the adrenal glands are crucial for androgen production in women, which can result in irregular or missed menstrual cycles.
Older adults might be more vulnerable to OPIAD as natural hormone levels typically decrease with age, potentially resulting in more severe symptoms and complications such as osteoporosis. Additionally, individuals with existing health issues that influence their hormones, like thyroid disorders and pituitary problems, are at a higher risk of developing OPIAD.
What Are the Treatment Options for OPIAD?
OPIAD can greatly diminish the quality of life for those who use opioids; however, there are various treatment options available to ease symptoms and tackle the underlying hormonal imbalance. Reducing opioid use or completely stopping is often viewed as the primary and most effective treatment when feasible. Since opioids are the leading cause of OPIAD, lowering the opioid dosage or gradually tapering off under medical supervision can help the body restore its natural hormone production.
Nevertheless, for individuals struggling with opioid dependence or addiction, quitting opioids can be more difficult. Comprehensive detox and rehabilitation programs can provide these individuals with evidence-based therapies, medications, and holistic methods to not only conquer opioid dependence and addiction but also to address OPIAD.
The body’s hormone levels may take several weeks to months to stabilize after discontinuing opioid use, and some individuals may not fully return to their pre-opioid hormone levels. If reducing or stopping opioid use is not feasible or does not completely resolve OPIAD, hormone replacement therapy for opioid users can serve as an effective treatment option.
This may include Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for men or estrogen, progesterone, or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement for women. Additionally, several medications, such as Clomid and human chorionic gonadotropin, aim to stimulate the body’s own hormone production.
Moreover, lifestyle choices and nutritional strategies can significantly influence hormone levels and overall health, particularly during the recovery phase from opioid use. A well-rounded and nutrient-rich diet is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, as hormones are derived from specific nutrients.
To avoid relapse after addiction and drug rehab, people should prioritize consuming plenty of protein, healthy fats such as omega-3 rich foods, and complex carbohydrates. Supplementing with vitamins like magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin D can also be advantageous. The gut microbiome contributes to hormone regulation, so incorporating probiotics from fermented foods and prebiotics found in fiber-rich options can promote gut health.
Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring sufficient sleep, and managing stress are also crucial for the body to balance hormone production naturally. Individuals should minimize alcohol and tobacco consumption and steer clear of environmental toxins like pesticides and chemicals in plastics, known as endocrine disruptors, which can disrupt hormone function.
Access Opioid Induced Androgen Deficiency Treatment and Recovery Programs at WhiteSands Treatment
If you or someone you love is struggling with the physical and emotional toll of long-term opioid use, it’s crucial to address all aspects of your health, including hormonal imbalances. OPIAD is an often overlooked condition that can cause fatigue, depression, reduced libido, and difficulty with motivation—issues that can complicate recovery if not addressed. Therefore, it’s important to seek a treatment center that comprehends the comprehensive nature of opioid addiction and its impact on the body.
At WhiteSands Treatment in Florida, we employ holistic methods for opioid dependence and addiction, incorporating targeted opioid induced androgen deficiency treatment as part of a personalized recovery plan, ensuring all aspects of addiction are addressed. By restoring hormonal balance, patients regain their energy, motivation, and sense of self, laying a stronger foundation for long-term recovery and wellness.
If you would like to learn more about OPIAD treatment and recovery options at WhiteSands Treatment Center, contact us today at 877-855-3470.
External Sources
- MedCentral – Opioid-induced Sexual Dysfunction
- Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research – Opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD): prevalence, consequence, and efficacy of testosterone replacement
- Pain Physician – Opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD)
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
