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Inflammation-Induced Hypogonadism

Meaning

Inflammation-induced hypogonadism is a specific form of functional secondary hypogonadism where chronic systemic inflammation acts as the primary molecular driver for the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This clinical condition is characterized by low circulating levels of sex hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen, despite structurally normal gonads and pituitary function. It is a common, yet often overlooked, endocrine complication associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune disorders and obesity.