Why do testes shrink when male athletes take synthetic steroid testosterone hormones?
A) Testosterone itself has the direct effect of shrinking the testes.
B) Synthetic chemicals are not the same in action as natural chemicals.
C) The guilt reaction in the brain causes a reverse hormonal action.
D) The pituitary detects high levels of testosterone in the bloodstream and reduces FSH and LH.
E) Scientists have no explanation for this phenomenon that is opposite of expected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an athlete takes synthetic testosterone hormones, the level of testosterone in their bloodstream is already high. This signals to the pituitary gland that there is no need to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which normally stimulate the production of testosterone and sperm in the testes. Without the stimulation from FSH and LH, the testes can shrink in size. This is a known side effect of using synthetic testosterone hormones.

Why Do Testes Shrink When Male Athletes Take Synthetic Steroid