Low testosterone in a male adolescent bodybuilder: Which diagnosis holds more weight?

J Paediatr Child Health. 2014 Sep;50(9):739-41. doi: 10.1111/jpc.12495. Epub 2014 Feb 19.

Abstract

We present the case of a 16-year-old male who presented reporting a 6-month history of lowered mood, fatigue, anhedonia, disturbed sleep and heightened anxiety. On further questioning he reported restricted eating and weightlifting for at least 1 h on a daily basis. Investigations revealed findings compatible with secondary hypogonadism. The potential causes of secondary hypogonadism including structural lesions, muscle dysmorphia and use of illicit anabolic steroids are discussed.

Keywords: eating disorder; hypogonadism; nutritional supplement; performance-enhancing substance; testosterone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / blood
  • Hypogonadism / diagnosis*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Testosterone / blood*
  • Weight Lifting*

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone