Why do obese men tend to have low testosterone and elevated estradiol levels? Explain how this change in hormone levels affects male fertility.

What will be an ideal response?


Fat tissue contains an enzyme (aromatase) that converts testosterone to estradiol, and this conversion may be abnormally high in people with high body fat. Consequently, obese men tend to have low testosterone and elevated estradiol levels. Increased blood levels of estradiol inhibit secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary. Alterations in LH and FSH can lower testosterone synthesis. Low levels of testosterone decrease sperm production and promote infertility and subfertility.

Nutritional Science

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