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Source Institute | Endocrine System

Chapter 15: Male Reproductive Endocrinology, Androgen Disorders, and Hormone Therapy

This chapter examines testicular endocrine anatomy and histology, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, androgen synthesis and action, hypogonadism and infertility, prostate-related medical care, testosterone and antiandrogen therapies, and safe massage-therapy planning across adult and aging populations.

Course: Endocrine SystemChapter: 15 of 20Four instructional units + knowledge checks + quizSigned in: Not signed inActive Time: 00:00:00

Chapter Focus

This chapter examines male reproductive endocrinology, androgen disorders, and hormone therapy through endocrine anatomy and physiology, pathology and medical management, massage-therapy safety, client assessment, clinical reasoning, body-system integration, and MBLEx preparation.

Mini Outline

  1. Testosterone Production and Male Reproductive Physiology.
  2. Hypogonadism, Infertility, and Androgen Disorders.
  3. Prostate, Aging, and Endocrine-Related Medical Care.
  4. Testosterone Therapy, Antiandrogens, and Massage Planning.

Learning Objectives

Identify the endocrine and reproductive structures of the testes, epididymis, spermatic cord, and prostate, including relevant blood supply, venous drainage, histology, and developmental context.
Explain GnRH, LH, FSH, Leydig-cell testosterone synthesis, Sertoli-cell support, spermatogenesis, androgen transport, conversion, receptors, and feedback regulation.
Differentiate primary and secondary hypogonadism and summarize common etiologies, signs, symptoms, diagnostic testing, and fertility-related medical care.
Describe benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, continence issues, and lymphedema considerations relevant to massage planning.
Explain testosterone-replacement and antiandrogen therapies, including delivery methods, benefits, adverse effects, monitoring, and massage precautions.
Apply client assessment, scope-of-practice, referral, special-population, and MBLEx reasoning to male reproductive endocrine scenarios.

Chapter Summary

Testicular endocrine function depends on pulsatile GnRH, pituitary LH and FSH, Leydig-cell testosterone production, Sertoli-cell support, inhibin feedback, and coordinated spermatogenesis.

Primary and secondary hypogonadism have different causes and laboratory patterns. Symptoms are nonspecific and require medical evaluation rather than massage-based diagnosis.

Prostate disorders and cancer treatments can affect urinary function, bone, muscle, metabolism, fatigue, continence, lymphatic drainage, and massage safety.

Testosterone and antiandrogen therapies require awareness of application sites, injection or pellet wounds, erythrocytosis, orthostasis, bone loss, clot warning signs, and scope boundaries.

Key Takeaways

  • LH acts on Leydig cells; FSH acts on Sertoli cells; testosterone, estradiol, and inhibin regulate feedback.
  • Sudden testicular pain, acute urinary retention, thrombotic symptoms, fever, or new masses require medical referral.
  • Testosterone therapy may improve selected symptoms but can suppress fertility and requires monitoring.
  • Massage supports comfort and function but does not diagnose hormone deficiency, treat prostate disease, or prescribe hormonal care.

Chapter Glossary

Hover over a term, or tap it on a phone, to review its definition.

  • Leydig cell
  • Sertoli cell
  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Primary hypogonadism
  • Secondary hypogonadism
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Androgen-deprivation therapy
  • Erythrocytosis

Vocabulary Matching Practice

Locked: Complete all four units and all three knowledge checks first.

Complete this practice before the chapter quiz unlocks.

Select a term, then select the matching definition.

Terms

Definitions

Chapter 15 Quiz