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CASE REPORT
Obesity-related hypogonadism: a reversible condition
  1. Stamatios Zouras1,
  2. Jeffrey W Stephens2,
  3. David Price1
  1. 1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, ABM University Health Board, Swansea, UK
  2. 2College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Stamatios Zouras, szouras{at}yahoo.gr

Summary

Obesity is associated with hypogonadism. While this association is widely accepted, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Furthermore, obesity is a risk factor for hypogonadism and conversely hypogonadism may be a risk factor for obesity. We present the case of a morbidly obese man aged 30 years with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism that underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operation. Following the surgical treatment of his obesity, the testosterone level returned to normal with improvements in hypogonadal symptoms, which allowed discontinuation of exogenous testosterone therapy. This case report demonstrates reversal of hypogonadism following weight loss with restoration of gonadal function.

  • Obesity (nutrition)
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • Pituitary disorders
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Endocrine system

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Footnotes

  • Contributors Dr SZ wrote the manuscript. Professor JWS supported the clinical care for the patient and has reviewed the manuscript. Dr DP had provided intellectual input and has reviewed the manuscript.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Patient consent Obtained.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.