title: Male endocrine dysfunction.
abstract: Evaluation for endocrine function is a pivotal part of the male infertility workup. Endocrine dysfunction may result from endogenous and exogenous sources. This article describes the traditional roles that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal endocrine axis plays in spermatogenesis and testicular dysfunction, as well as other insults that may contribute to hypospermatogenesis. Recent research into the role alternative hormonal axes play in spermatogenesis and promising new technologies that may correct inborn or acquired endocrinopathies leading to impaired sperm growth and maturation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. Electronic address: jim.hotaling@gmail.com.
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hotaling
authors.forename: Zamip
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000502:physiology; D012065:Relaxin / Q000502:physiology; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D013737:Testis / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin; D012065:Relaxin; D013006:Growth Hormone
keywords: Dysfunction; Endocrine; Fertility; Hypogonadism; Male; Review; Sperm; Spermatogenesis