Dysregulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis due to Energy Deficit

Abstract

Context: Although gonadal axis dysregulation from energy deficit is well recognized in women, the effects of energy deficit on the male gonadal axis have received much less attention. Evidence acquisition: To identify relevant articles, we conducted PubMed searches from inception to May 2021. Evidence synthesis: Case series and mechanistic studies demonstrate that energy deficit (both acutely over days or chronically over months) either from inadequate energy intake and/or excessive energy expenditure can lower serum testosterone concentration as a result of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis dysregulation in men. The extent to which this has clinical consequences that can be disen..