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Gonadal Axis Suppression

Meaning

Gonadal Axis Suppression refers to the pharmacological or physiological inhibition of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, the primary endocrine pathway regulating reproductive function and sex hormone production. This suppression results in a significant reduction in the endogenous secretion of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), leading to diminished production of testosterone or estradiol by the testes or ovaries. Clinically, this is a common and often desired effect when administering exogenous sex hormones or specific pituitary-targeting medications, but it must be monitored for long-term health implications.