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Functional Hypogonadism State

Meaning

Functional Hypogonadism State refers to a reversible condition of suppressed gonadal hormone production, specifically testosterone or estrogen, that is not caused by primary testicular or ovarian failure but rather by systemic stressors acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This state is a key clinical manifestation of the body’s adaptive response to significant metabolic stress, such as chronic energy deficit, severe psychological stress, or excessive exercise load. It is often characterized by low gonadotropin and sex steroid levels, representing a temporary conservation of reproductive resources.