SECONDARY HYPOGONADISM RELATED TO MALE OBESITY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Obesity is associated with several comorbidities, currently it has been an important cause of secondary hypogonadism in men, and can result in a wide range of symptoms, including infertility and impaired sexual function. The pathophysiological mechanisms of this condition are quite complex and not yet fully defined, involving a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicle axis. Currently, a series of treatments have been instituted to reduce body weight and maintain male fertility, including changes in lifestyle, different classes of drugs and surgical approach, in order to improve the quality of life of these patients. This is a literature review, based on the search of scientific articles from the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases.  The general objective of the study is to review male hypogonadism secondary to obesity. The specific objectives are to describe the pathophysiology of this condition, discuss the clinical picture and how to make its diagnosis, as well as the therapeutic forms currently available.