Endocrine causes of infertility in men

Abstract

Impairment of fertility is a growing health problem. It should be always considered in relation to both partners, as it affects to a similar extent women and men. Proper development and function of male and female reproductive organs, the processes of egg cell and sperma formation and development as well as of conception and pregnancy maintenance depend on interaction of a number of factors, including hormones. Functioning of ovaries and testes is closely related to the activity of other endocrine glands. Therefore, infertility can be the result of a malfunction of the pituitary, thyroid or adrenals. The article discusses the most common causes of primary hypogonadism as well as hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunctions leading to hypogonadism, in particular gonadotropin deficiency and hyperprolactinemia. Special attention was paid to the endocrine effects of eating disorders, which result in impaired fertility. We also discussed the impact on fertility of the thyroid and adrenal diseases.