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The Male Reproductive System, Exercise, and Training: Endocrine Adaptations

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Endocrinology of Physical Activity and Sport

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

The male gonadal axis function is strongly affected by physical exercise. Relatively short, intense exercise usually increases while more prolonged exercise usually decreases serum testosterone levels. The exercise-associated increment in circulating testosterone is considered not to be mediated by LH whereas a neuroendocrine dysfunction has been indicated as the cause of testosterone reduction in response to prolonged exercise, along with increased cortisol levels, a primary testicular dysfunction, or even an accumulation of metabolic waste materials. Chronic physical exercise may induce a state of oligospermia, a reduction of the total number of motile sperm and an increase in abnormal or immature spermatozoa. Alterations in the hormonal milieu but also the oxidative stress associated with endurance exercise may be involved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

    Fabio Lanfranco MD, PHD & Marco Alessandro Minetto MD, PHD

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  1. Fabio Lanfranco MD, PHD
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  2. Marco Alessandro Minetto MD, PHD
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Correspondence to Fabio Lanfranco MD, PHD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew UMC, 4 Ha'razim St, Jerusalem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel

    Naama Constantini

  2. , Applied Physiology Laboratory, UNC at Chapel Hill, 203 Fezter Hall, Chapel Hill, 27599, North Carolina, USA

    Anthony C. Hackney

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Lanfranco, F., Minetto, M.A. (2013). The Male Reproductive System, Exercise, and Training: Endocrine Adaptations. In: Constantini, N., Hackney, A. (eds) Endocrinology of Physical Activity and Sport. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-314-5_7

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