Stimulant-Induced Pituitary Failure and Reversible Azoospermia

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed disorder that is managed with stimulant medications, which function by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. Excess dopamine has been known to affect several body systems, including the endocrine system. This case presents male factor infertility caused by a negative interaction between excess dopamine and the endocrine system, inducing pituitary failure, which led to azoospermia. The patient and her partner presented to the fertility clinic for evaluation after one year of failing to conceive. The patient's partner had been treated throughout the conception of their first three pregnancies for ADHD with methylphenidate (Ritalin) for many years; however, eight months prior to presentation at the clinic, the partner had been switched to amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall) for treatment of ADHD. A fertility evaluation revealed azoospermia which was confirmed via two separate semen analyses two weeks apart. In addition, the patient's total testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were below normal limits. A normal semen analysis was obtained after a five-month withdrawal of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, which was followed by a naturally conceived pregnancy. The possibility of pre-testicular azoospermia caused by medication-induced pituitary failure should be considered in males prescribed stimulant medication who are seeking to reproduce.