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Exogenous Androgen Dependence

Meaning

A state of physiological reliance on externally administered androgenic hormones, such as injectable or transdermal testosterone, which arises following prolonged suppression of the native hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Individuals in this state require continued exogenous administration to maintain physiological androgen levels and prevent the onset of symptomatic hypogonadism. This dependence is a predictable consequence of treatment, not an addiction, and necessitates a thoughtful approach to long-term management or cessation planning.