Treating exercise-associated low testosterone and its related symptoms.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and expert opinion without systematic review methodology or new human data
PubMed 30063407 · doi:10.1080/00913847.2018.1507234
What was done
This narrative review describes the Exercise-Hypogonadal Male Condition (EHMC), its occurrence across endurance, anaerobic, power, and weight-class sports, and non-pharmacological treatment approaches for athletes subject to anti-doping regulations.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data. It notes that high exercise volumes can lower testosterone levels and cause symptoms such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. Because pharmacological options like testosterone or clomiphene citrate are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the authors recommend managing EHMC through nutritional intervention and training modification.
Why it matters
It highlights exercise-induced hypogonadism across diverse athletic disciplines and emphasizes non-pharmacological management compliant with anti-doping rules.
Limits
This is a narrative review providing expert recommendations with no original empirical data, quantitative synthesis, or detailed intervention protocols reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Excessive endurance training can decrease testosterone levels and impair reproductive function in young, healthy males.