The Endocrinology of Pain Management with Dr. Bill Clearfield
Severe, persistent pain is a stressor on your patient’s homeostatic system. Pain depresses hormonal response. Adequate pain control with opioids also depresses hormonal function. If the patient’s hormones are not balanced, the patient cannot function at an optimal level and deteriorates. When pain flares, excess cortisol leads to LH suppression, testosterone deficiency, fatigue, and “burnout.” ... Read more