Male Endocrinology Regulation Overview

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and terminology from male endocrinology, including hormone regulation and reproductive physiology.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates testosterone production in Leydig cells.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that promotes spermatogenesis controlled by Sertoli cells.

Leydig Cells

Cells in the testis that produce testosterone in response to LH.

Sertoli Cells

Cells that support spermatogenesis and produce inhibin for negative feedback on GnRH.

Negative Feedback

Hormonal regulation where increased testosterone levels inhibit GnRH secretion, leading to reduced LH and FSH.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone that provides negative feedback in the male endocrine axis.

Adrenopause

A poorly defined age-related change in hormone levels, particularly testosterone, occurring in older males.

Blood-Testis Barrier (BTB)

A barrier formed by tight junctions between Sertoli cells that protects developing sperm from the immune system.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate dependent on DHT, causing urinary obstruction in older men.

Prostate Cancer

A common cancer in men characterized by growth stimulated by androgens, often presenting with variable symptoms.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)

A treatment for prostate cancer that decreases androgen levels to limit tumor growth.

Congenital Cryptorchidism

A condition where one or both testicles remain undescended at birth, often linked to infertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A condition in women characterized by multiple immature follicles, chronic anovulation, and hyperandrogenism.

Endometriosis

A condition where endometrial cells grow outside the uterus, causing pain and potential infertility.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum during pregnancy.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

Drugs that can act as estrogen agonists or antagonists depending on the tissue, used in breast cancer treatment.

5 Alpha-Reductase

An enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has greater affinity for androgen receptors.