Using testosterone to help men with pain caused by opioid treatment
Official title: Androgen Replacement to Improve Patient-Important Outcomes in Men with Opioid-Induced Hypogonadism
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10692766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how testosterone replacement therapy might help men who have low testosterone levels due to long-term opioid use, with the goal of reducing their pain and improving their overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $808,489 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG066921-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10692766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men who are experiencing chronic pain and have low testosterone levels due to opioid treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on opioid medications or who have normal testosterone levels may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how testosterone replacement therapy can alleviate pain and improve quality of life in men suffering from opioid-induced hypogonadism. Many men on chronic opioid medications experience a drop in testosterone levels, which can worsen their pain and overall well-being. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of testosterone in reducing pain perception and enhancing life quality through well-designed clinical trials. Participants will be monitored for changes in pain levels and quality of life indicators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for men suffering from chronic pain due to opioid use, potentially reducing their reliance on pain medications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary trials have shown promise in using testosterone replacement for improving pain and quality of life in similar patient populations, but larger, adequately-powered trials are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basaria, Shehzad — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Basaria, Shehzad
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.