Major actions of androgens/testosterone:

• Development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics.

• Growth-promotion; testosterone is an anabolic steroid.

• Negative feedback inhibition on hypothalamic GnRH release.

  • Castration leads to increased levels of LH and FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary.
  • Taking testosterone will decrease LH secretion and reduce sperm count.

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Lack of LH reduces sperm count b/c less LH will be present to stimulate Leydig cells to produce testosterone.