Question: Methadone use has been associated with sexual dysfunction secondary to which endocrine abnormality?
Answer: Opioids, as a class of drug, have been associated with a variety of endocrinopathies. The cited reference notes it is hypothesized “that methadone exerts neuroendocrinological effects on the tubero-infundibular and hypothalamic-pituitary- gonadal axes. The chronic stimulation of the mu receptors by methadone alters the function of the tubero-infundibular axis and the dopaminergic control of prolactin, with a consequential impact on sexual functioning. (Yee A et al. Sexual dysfunction in heroin dependents: A comparison between methadone and buprenorphine maintenance treatment. 2016 PLS ONE 11(1): e0147852.doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147852)