Journal List > J Korean Soc Endocrinol > v.21(3) > 1063866

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Kim, Kim, Park, Park, Kang, Ahn, Cha, Lim, Kim, and Lee: A Case of Patient with Opioid-Induced Adrenocortical Insufficiency and Hypogonadism
Case Report
Journal of Korean Society of Endocrinology

Journal of Korean Society of Endocrinology 2006; 21(3): 257-260.

Published online: 20 June 2006

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/jkes.2006.21.3.257

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

Hai Jin Kim, Chul Sik Kim, Jong Suk Park, Jina Park, Eun Seok Kang, Chul Woo Ahn, Bong Soo Cha, Sung Kil Lim, Kyung Rae Kim, Hyun Chul Lee

Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea.

Received 30 August 2005       Accepted 14 December 2005

Copyright © 2006 Korean Endocrine Society

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.

Keywords: Adrenocortical insufficiency, Hypogonadism, Oxycodon

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
Brain MRI, sagital view, shows 12.7 mm sized pineal gland cyst.
jkse-21-257-g001
Table 1
Initial combined pituitary function test
jkse-21-257-i001

GH, growth hormone; FSH, follicular stimulating hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone, TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone.

Table 2
Combined pituitary function test after 2 years of oxycodon discontinuation
jkse-21-257-i002

GH, growth hormone; FSH, follicular stimulating hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone, TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone.

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