Chronic opioid use can have negative effects on the endocrine system. Some of the published literature I have seen indicates that this is less likely with long-acting opioids.

Is anyone aware of research specifically examining chronic (dependent) use of long-acting opioids (whether medical, illicit, or in agonist-replacement pharmacotherapy), and problems with hormone regulation?

I am particularly interested in anything that can demonstrate whether endocrine dysfunction generally, and/or hypo- or hyper-thyroidism are a more likely consequence of long-acting opioids or shorter acting ones, and also whether there is any evidence as to whether these problems are more likely with full-agonists (eg methadone) than with partial agonists (eg buprenorphine).

Regards,

Paul