J Korean Soc Endocrinol.  2006 Jun;21(3):257-260. 10.3803/jkes.2006.21.3.257.

A Case of Patient with Opioid-Induced Adrenocortical Insufficiency and Hypogonadism

• Kim HJ
• Kim CS
• Park JS
• Park J
• Kang ES
• Ahn CW
• Cha BS
• Lim SK
• Kim KR
• Lee HC

• KMID: 2200739
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/jkes.2006.21.3.257

Abstract

Opioids are known to decrease plasma cortisol and testosterone level in human and other mammals. Nowadays, opioid use is exponentially increasing, but little is known about its side effects. With the help of progressive human science, we can habit longer life and as result, are becoming more avid for healthy life. In this respect, analgesics play important role in maintaining good and healthy quality of life. For this reason, it is important to fully understand its side effects and handle it with special precaution. We are reporting a 22-year-old male who had been taken opioid analgesic for more than six years to relieve chronic, intractable headache. Then, his hormone test revealed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism combined with hypoadrenocorticotropic hypoadrenalism but showed no definite clinical features except for sexual frigidity. After two years of oxycodon discontinuation, we reevaluated that his hormone test, and all other laboratory tests returned to the normal range.

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Insufficiency
Analgesics
Analgesics, Opioid
Headache Disorders
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Hypogonadism*
Male
Mammals
Oxycodone
Plasma
Quality of Life
Reference Values
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
Testosterone
Young Adult
Analgesics
Analgesics, Opioid
Hydrocortisone
Oxycodone
Testosterone

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Brain MRI, sagital view, shows 12.7 mm sized pineal gland cyst.

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