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A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Characterization of Leydig Cell Dysfunction in Previous Illicit Androgen Users.

Yeliz Bulut^1,2, Niels Brandt-Jacobsen^1,3, Rasmus Madsen^1,2

¹Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

|March 7, 2025

Summary

Previous illicit androgen users show reduced Leydig cell function years after stopping use, impacting erectile function. This study assessed pituitary-testis axis recovery in former anabolic steroid users.

Keywords:

anabolic androgenic steroids androgen abuse erectile function male hypogonadism testosterone

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Reproductive Health
Sports Medicine

Background:

Limited understanding of long-term pituitary-testis axis recovery after illicit androgen use.
Previous studies focused on recent cessation, leaving long-term effects unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate pituitary-testis axis function in men years after discontinuing illicit androgens.
To compare hormonal function and sexual health between previous users and nonusers.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 56 men (30 previous users, 26 nonusers).
Previous users categorized by detectable or undetectable drug metabolites.
Hormone stimulation tests (GnRH, hCG) and sexual function questionnaires (IIEF-15) were employed.

Main Results:

Previous users had significantly lower testosterone secretion post-hCG stimulation compared to nonusers.
No significant differences in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion were observed.
Increased testosterone secretion during hCG testing correlated with better erectile function.

Conclusions:

Illicit androgen use impairs Leydig cell function for at least two years post-cessation.
Reduced Leydig cell capacity may contribute to long-term sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile issues.