Opiate Use Leads To Decreased Sex Hormone Levels

November 13, 2014

Opiate Use Leads To Decreased Sex Hormone Levels

opiate addiction Opiates have been used for a long time in pain management. They are the best in dealing with chronic pain and so have been used worldwide to help patients with chronic pain especially cancer patients to cope with their pain and promote their recovery. The use of opiates in pain management however is little understood by the general public especially because the media has never portrayed them favorably. However the public are slowly waking up to the realization that opiates are not as bad as they are purported to be but are very essential in our hospitals to day. They have become a necessity for analgesia and patients undergoing chronic [pain have become dependent on them. Without these opiates the patients will suffer greatly.

The use of opiates in treatment of chronic pain has however been associated with deficiency in androgens. Testosterone is one of the most crucial hormones in the body as they are responsible for sex. In case deficiency in testosterone a person will suffer low sex drive. It may lead to hypogonadism which today is one of the problems that see men weep in the night for failing to rise to occasion and satisfy the sexual needs of their marital partners. Apart from hypogonadism and low levels of androgens, the long term use of these opiates may also cause such problems as adrenal dysfunction, pituitary dysfunction, and abnormality in growth and reduced bone density. When a patient has used the opiates for a long time it lowers the levels of testosterone, it is this hormone that is responsible for masculinity, bone density and even sound sex life. All these problems arise as a result of decline in testosterone and other sex hormones, opiates use being the cause of the decline in the sex hormones. Several studies have revealed that long term use of opiates in pain management causes opiate induced hypogonadism characterized by very low levels of androgens especially the testosterone hormones. The use of opiates in pain management has not only been linked to decline in sex hormones but also abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.

There some side effects that patients who have used opiates in managing pain for a long time suffer, these side effects are often well managed through myriads of medical practices that may also involve hormone therapy to restore balance in hormones and help evade all the gross problems that are associated with deficiency in crucial hormones in the body. Specifically symptoms that are often associated with opiate induced hypogonadism include sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, lack of libido, low sex drive, reduced muscle mass and loss of strength in men. In most study reports osteoporosis and poor sex functions are credited to low levels of testosterone hormone. Women are also not spared since long term use of opiates will also alter the functions of estrogen hormones making them prone to these symptoms as well.

Hormone supplementation

opiate addiction A patient undergoing opiate treatment will suffer these side effects but all will be well after some time when they have broken free from the dependence on these drugs. The levels of testosterone will surge to normal levels and so will estrogen in women. This process occurs naturally, however some people will opt for hormone supplementation which may work as the process of treatment is going on but doctors advise that this may not be good as it discourages the body to signal its natural hormone production.

Patients have suffered opiate induced hypogonadism but most cases go unrecognized hence the patients are not easily helped to deal with the situation. The decline in testosterone levels is caused by opioid drug inhibition of Luteinizing Hormone often abbreviated as LH. LH is a pituitary hormone which is involved in testosterone production. LH also helps in direct inhibition of testosterone itself. It also causes the inhibition of the entire endocrine system and adrenal hormone suppression.

Researchers have also found that it is not only opiates that are used in pain management that causes decline in sex hormones and all the other symptoms associated with the fall in level of those hormones. Another cause of decline in these sex hormones is the treatments that are used to help the patients to overcome dependency on these opiates. These substances may include methadone which is commonly used in treating patients who have become dependent on opiates after long term use to manage pain. As shown in a new study treating opioid dependence with methadone can dramatically lower testosterone levels with men being the victims.

A cross-sectional study of more than 1000 adults led by Dr. Zena Samaan showed that the men who were treated with methadone for opioid addiction had roughly one quarter of the testosterone found in the men who did not use opioids. This study shows how methadone has adverse effects on testosterone levels in men. In women however there was no notable change.

“We expected that men would have lower testosterone. That was not something new,” principal investigator Zainab (Zena) Samaan, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences in the School of Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, told Medscape Medical News.

“What was surprising was the magnitude of the reduction,” Dr. Samaan concluded.

She opined that doctors should be updated by following research findings on this issue so that they will know how to manage these symptoms that are associated with decline in testosterone. She encouraged doctors to check the hormonal levels of patients before putting them on opioid therapy and continue with this check in regular intervals to help manage testosterone levels.

There are various natural addiction treatment mechanisms that can help patients addicted to opiates other using methadone that may lead to decline in testosterone levels. Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we encourage natural addiction training for physicians, Nurse, practitioners, Physician assistants and counselors so that they can avail a better alternative to opiates addicted patients. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is committed to availing help to every patient. Call on her at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Opiate Use Leads To Decreased Sex Hormone Levels

Drug addiction during Seasons; Celebration Time

May 6, 2014

Drug addiction during Seasons-Celebrations times

While having fun during holiday seasons remember alcohol and drugs can intrude in your holiday schedule and this can be devastating.

People all over the world have one single common denominator, everywhere you go people of all life status like to have moments of celebrations and spend some time enjoying the plenty life can offer. This undisputed interest however come at a cost and many revelers have open specific accounts to save money to finance this season of celebration which normally comes during Christmas and new year eve. I am in total agreement with everyone that some free time away from the hectic and busy schedules of life is necessary in once life because I am equally doing the same. My purpose of this article will dwell on some of the negative things which do happen during this season. In particular we will be discussing the indulgence of drug abuse when marry making. As indicate holiday season is a time where school going students are out, shopping malls are packed to capacity, entertainment joints entrepreneurs are doing good business because of the increase number of clients visiting their joints. Today the celebration time (Christmas and New Year eve) are around the corner and everyone is looking forward to presents, parties, food and booze. For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and happiness, but for some the holiday brings out a lot of stress.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Stress and celebrations

The holiday season triggers both good and bad forms of stress and emotions almost in equal measure.
Some people will cope with stress by turning to food. They will indulge in large amounts of food that can result in weight gain and eventually obesity.
Stress can also trigger negative behaviors like alcohol consumption and drug use. For sure alcohol and drug use are often exacerbated during the holidays, especially on Christmas and New Year eve.
Stress is also one of the leading causes of alcohol and drug relapse.

Much as it is a time of relaxation, the holiday season may be a distraction and overwhelming for individuals who are recently recovering from addiction. Take for example the transport sector of any nation, rate of automobile accidents, drug overdoses, suicides and violence causing death increases tremendously during the holidays. Nearly all these incidents are connected to alcohol and drug abuse, typically by those who are trying to cope with the holiday stress. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that suicide victims commonly tested positive for alcohol or illicit drugs and about 33% of the suicide victims tested positive for alcohol, 16% tested positive for opiates, 9% tested positive for cocaine and 8% tested positive for marijuana, worrying statistics indeed.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Alcohol the biggest cause of injuries

Of all the substances abused alcohol is the biggest contributor of causes of unintentional injuries, like those resulting from car accidents. It impairs and influences judgment and may place persons at higher risk of getting injured which can even result in death. Studies have also found that alcohol is more harmful than many illegal drugs, including marijuana, ecstasy, GHB and even amphetamines. According to British Columbia studies in 2005, there were 25,194 alcohol-related injuries and illnesses that resulted in hospitalization, compared with 4,817 related to illicit drug use (Toast the season, 2007). Researchers have found that on New Year’s Eve students drink 10 more alcoholic drinks than non-alcoholic drinks something which is causing the authority great concern.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Illegalities at the entertainment joints

When young people visit social festivities such as those held at bars, parties or nights-clubs they tend to compete for recognition and find themselves falling to peer pressure. For instance the youth often involve in use of date rape drugs. It’s important that young people especially women need to be aware of these drugs. For better understanding a date rape drug is any drug that is used for the purpose of getting someone intoxicated, usually by slipping the drug into the an unsuspecting victim’s drink. When the victim drinks the contaminated drink she loose the vital senses to the point where forced or non-consensual sexual assault can take place more easily or with little resistance. Some of the well-known date rape drugs include rohypnol, GHB and ecstasy. These drugs have no color, taste or smell making the very convenient to their users to drug their unsuspecting victims who will not be able to tell if they are being drugged.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Precautions when drinking

When out celebrating, young people must take extra precautions when they are enjoying drinking in the company of their friends. Precautions will include:

Never accept drinks from strangers.
Always have you drink open before you.
When using drinking glasses never leave your glass or bottle half way when visiting the bathrooms and if you do order for fresh drink and dispose whatever you left halfway.
Drink responsively less you intoxicate yourself for your prey to have a field day.
Better still do not drink.

Stress is a big impediment to drug free society and our young people are very delicate during the holiday period. Parents and guardians must not exact unnecessary pressures to the youths during the holiday season. Personal issues, family conflicts and financial matters may impact negatively to the health and well-being of an individual and because of these pressures youths tend to turn to drugs and alcohol to let loose and forget their problems. The temptation to go to parties, where alcohol and drugs are frequently offered, is high. When an individual is stressed it is important that they get a healthy amount of rest and sleep and take part in activities that can help decrease stress levels like exercise, yoga, meditation, listening to music or getting a massage.

Finally as I conclude this article, I want to address the young people passionately on what to do when face with the discussed circumstances.

Youths should understand that there are fun alternatives to using drugs over the holidays.
Instead of resorting to drugs they can use friendly non-alcoholic drinks, such as smoothies or non-alcoholic cocktails.
When they are invited to a party they should go with a friend who does not drink.
At the party, they should engage in healthy conversation, dancing and enjoying the music.
Eating is always a good way to distract the need of having a drink in your hand.
Food can also make you full, thereby avoiding the need to drink.
Most importantly, if they feel overwhelmed, they should ask for help.
They should take the time to connect with other people who are willing to support them positively.

With all these information you will still need professional guidance in the event you are overwhelmed. If this is the case then you need the services of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury who will care for you and together with her team of experts administer treatment to you while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. Passing through doctor Akoury will give you an opportunity to get your life back in record time and live it to the fullest.

Drug addiction during Seasons-Celebrations times

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