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Stimulant-Induced Pituitary Failure and Reversible Azoospermia
Tori E Abdalla1, Daniela Kotsonis2, Jordan Best3
1Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
Cureus
|May 7, 2021
Summary
Stimulant ADHD medications like Adderall can cause infertility in men by affecting dopamine levels and leading to pituitary failure and azoospermia. Stopping the medication can restore fertility and lead to natural conception.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently managed with stimulant medications.
- These medications increase dopamine levels, which can impact various bodily systems, including the endocrine system.
Observation:
- A male patient presented with infertility and azoospermia after his partner switched from methylphenidate to amphetamine-dextroamphetamine for ADHD treatment.
- Fertility evaluation revealed low testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.
Findings:
- Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine treatment for ADHD was associated with medication-induced pituitary failure.
- This pituitary failure led to pre-testicular azoospermia, a cause of male infertility.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider stimulant-induced pituitary failure as a cause of azoospermia in males undergoing fertility evaluation.
- Discontinuation of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine therapy resulted in the normalization of semen analysis and a subsequent natural pregnancy.
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