Disorders of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

In some cases, male infertility is caused by a decrease or absence of two hormones essential for sperm production — follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). For example, men with Kallmann syndrome have a deficiency in the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which normally signals the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH. This leads to a lack of FSH and LH, which can be problematic because:

• Without LH, the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone, which is critical for sperm production.

• Without FSH, the testicles aren’t fully stimulated to make sperm, even if testosterone levels are adequate.

Long-term use of testosterone supplements can also sometimes suppress the pituitary gland, resulting in low FSH and LH levels and reduced fertility.

Our team specializes in treating these hormone-related conditions, collectively known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, for men who are trying to conceive now or in the future. Treatments often include long-term hormone therapy with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and FSH, and in some cases medications such as Clomid. We help manage medication dosing, monitor laboratory tests and coordinate semen analyses to track treatment progress and optimize fertility outcomes.