What is the Origin of Exogenous Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism?

The term is a combination of several medical and Greek roots: Exogenous (originating externally), hypo- (under), gonado- (gonads), -tropic (stimulating), and hypo- (under), gonadism (gonad function). The phrase precisely describes the suppression of the central hormonal signaling due to an outside influence. It is a common, predictable side effect of long-term exogenous hormone therapy.

What is the Mechanism of Exogenous Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism?

The presence of high levels of exogenous sex steroids, like injectable testosterone, triggers a strong negative feedback signal to the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. This signal dramatically reduces the pulsatile secretion of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, and consequently, the release of LH and FSH from the pituitary. The resultant lack of gonadotropin stimulation causes the testes or ovaries to downregulate their natural production of testosterone or estrogen, leading to a state of temporary or prolonged hypogonadism.

Exogenous Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Meaning

Exogenous hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a specific endocrine disorder characterized by reduced function of the gonads, or hypogonadism, caused by the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis due to external, or exogenous, administration of sex steroids, such as testosterone or anabolic agents. This condition results in low levels of the pituitary gonadotropins, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which leads to diminished endogenous sex hormone production.