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Functional Male Hypogonadism

Meaning

Functional male hypogonadism describes a clinical state characterized by low serum testosterone levels that result from a reversible suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, rather than primary testicular failure. This condition is typically linked to systemic stressors such as chronic illness, severe psychological stress, significant obesity, or excessive endurance exercise. It is often considered a form of secondary hypogonadism, where the problem originates upstream in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Effective clinical management focuses on addressing the underlying systemic cause rather than immediate, long-term testosterone replacement therapy.