Pituitary–Gonadal Axis during Prolonged Total Starvation in Obese Men

Abstract
The functional integrity of the pituitary-gonadal axis was evaluated in six obese men whose ages ranged from 24 to 70 years during therapeutic total starvation for periods ranging from 27 to 190 days. Serial measurements of plasma testosterone (PT), [See figure in the PDF file] luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were made. Prolonged starvation did not disturb the pituitary-gonadal axis as there were no significant changes in the levels of PT, LH, and FSH during the starvation periods.