How does exogenous testosterone reduce fertility?

How does exogenous testosterone reduce fertility?

The exogenous administration of testosterone suppresses the release of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) to levels below that required for spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis is largely dependent on the action of FSH on Sertoli cells coupled with high intra-testicular testosterone concentrations.

Can testosterone cause infertility in males?

One side effect of testosterone treatment is infertility. Testosterone treatment decreases sperm production by decreasing levels of another hormone, follicelstimulating hormone (FSH), which is important for stimulating sperm production. In most cases, the infertility caused by testosterone treatment is reversible.

What is exogenous testosterone used for?

Results: Exogenous testosterone suppresses intratesticular testosterone production, which is an absolute prerequisite for normal spermatogenesis.

What is an exogenous testosterone?

Exogenous testosterone replacement therapy. Restores testosterone levels by supplementing various preparations of natural testosterone. Oral, buccal, intramuscular, transdermal, subdermal, and nasal preparations. Multiple routes of administration depending on patient preference and needs.

What causes infertility in males?

Male infertility can be caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors may contribute to male infertility.

Is exogenous testosterone safe?

Exogenous testosterone use should be avoided in men desiring future fertility. Clomiphene citrate is an off-label, but well-tolerated and effective therapy for men desiring to preserve future potential fertility. hCG therapy with or without testosterone supplementation represents an alternative treatment.

Is exogenous testosterone a steroid?

Exogenous steroids are synthetically created versions of the testosterone hormone. These substances are not naturally produced by the body. Endogenous steroids are naturally occurring substances in the human body that are involved with the metabolic pathways of testosterone.

Can a man suddenly become infertile?

What are the effects of exogenous testosterone on fertility?

Testosterone users and health care professionals are often unaware that exogenous testosterone suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and may result in infertility. Physicians need to educate their patients about the potentially deleterious effects exogenous testosterone can have on spermatogenesis and on fertility.

How to recover spermatogenesis after exogenous testosterone?

Recovery of spermatogenesis after discontinuation exogenous testosterone is generally promising. First, the hypogonadal male interested in fathering children should attempt cessation of use of exogenous testosterone. A study by the WHO Task Force evaluated 271 men who received 200 mg of testosterone enanthate weekly ( 12 ).

Can a hypogonadal man take exogenous testosterone?

Exogenous testosterone use should be discouraged for hypogonadal men desiring to preserve their fertility. As seen in the contraceptive trials, restoration of baseline serum testosterone levels may be seen after discontinuation of testosterone therapy.

How are anabolic steroids and exogenous androgens related?

Exogenous Androgens/Anabolic Steroids. Some studies have shown that as many as 20 percent of men being treated for fertility issues have hormone problems such as low testosterone. Normalization of testosterone levels can potentially result in improvements in energy, libido, sexual function, and fertility.