Testicular atrophy
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Testicular atrophy is a medical condition in which the male reproductive organs (the testes, which in humans are located in the scrotum) diminish in size and may be accompanied by loss of function. This does not refer to temporary changes, such as those brought on by cold.
Some medications can cause testicular atrophy. Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) can cause testicular atrophy by reducing the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland. LH stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone. Testicular atrophy caused by steroid use can be prevented by taking hCG, a drug which mimics the effect of LH. However, hCG will simply address the symptoms. Endogenious levels of anabolic-androgenic steroids will remain the cause, and testicular atrophy will continue until the male body regains homeostasis. It is unclear how long hCG can be administered to a male on anabolic-androgenic steroids before desensitization occurs.
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