Effects of Exogenous Androgenic Agents on Male Reproduction

Androgen production is a tightly regulated system in the adult male via the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and has important effects on spermatogenesis and fertility. Hypogonadism is being diagnosed more frequently in men of child bearing age, with resulting increases in hormone therapy. Exogenous androgen use can disrupt the normal HPG axis and lead to subfertility or infertility. Products which mimic endogenous hormones are available which can treat hypogonadism and maintain fertility.