Hormone Testing in Chronic Pain Care: Insights from Dr. Tennant’s Latest Bulletin
- EveBlackburn
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Patients living with severe chronic pain conditions such as arachnoiditis often face complex biological challenges that extend beyond nerve damage alone. In his latest bulletin, Forest Tennant highlights an important but frequently overlooked factor: hormone deficiencies caused by chronic pain and long-term opioid therapy.
According to Dr. Tennant, hormone imbalances can significantly affect how the body processes pain, responds to treatment, and heals.
Why Hormones Matter in Pain Control
Hormones play a key role in regulating several brain systems that influence pain perception and neurological function. These include:
The opioid/endorphin system
The dopamine system
The GABA system
The serotonin system
When hormone levels drop, these systems may not function properly, which can make pain harder to control.
For patients already dealing with complex pain disorders like arachnoiditis, this additional disruption may worsen symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of treatments.
Chronic Pain and Hormone Suppression
Dr. Tennant explains that both severe chronic pain itself and certain medications used to treat it can suppress hormone production.
This is particularly true for patients using long-acting opioid medications, including:
Morphine
Methadone
Fentanyl patches
Extended-release oxycodone
Intrathecal opioid therapy
Because these medications remain in the body continuously, they can affect the pituitary gland and endocrine system over time.
Hormones That May Become Deficient
Dr. Tennant recommends monitoring several hormones that are important for pain control, energy, and tissue repair.
These include:
Pregnenolone
Progesterone
DHEA
Estradiol
Testosterone
Cortisol
Even a single hormone deficiency can interfere with healing and make pain management more difficult.
When Should Testing Be Done?
The bulletin recommends that patients using long-acting opioid medications receive a hormone panel approximately every six months.
Testing may also be important if:
Pain medications suddenly stop working as well
Fatigue or weakness worsens
Mood or cognitive symptoms appear
Healing slows or symptoms worsen
Identifying and correcting hormone deficiencies may help improve overall pain management and quality of life.
A Message for Patients and Clinicians
Hormone health is often overlooked in chronic pain treatment, yet it can play a significant role in how patients respond to therapy.
Educational bulletins like this help expand understanding of the biological factors involved in severe pain conditions and may guide more comprehensive care strategies.
Patients interested in hormone testing should discuss these recommendations with their healthcare providers.
Learn More
ACMCRN regularly shares educational materials from clinicians and researchers working to improve care and understanding of arachnoiditis.
Stay connected with ACMCRN for updates, research developments, and patient education resources.
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