Reproductive dysfunction in hemodialysis: endocrine mechanisms, clinical features, and therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Reproductive dysfunction is a near-universal and debilitating complication in patients on maintenance hemodialysis, profoundly impacting quality of life. The core patho­physiology is a ‘dual-hit’ endocrine collapse, where the uremic milieu causes both central suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and peripheral gonadal resistance. In men, this manifests as hypogonadism, with erectile dysfunction serving as a critical sentinel marker for systemic vascular disease. In women, it results in a reversible menopause-like state characterized by anovulation and infertility. While conventional hemodialysis is insufficient to correct these derangements, practical therapeutic strategies can mitigate them. Intensified regimens like nocturnal hemo­dialysis can partially restore fertility and dramatically improve pregnancy outcomes. Targeted pharmacological interventions, including phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and hormone replacement therapy, are also effective for specific indications. Kidney transplantation offers the best chance of restoring normal endocrine function. Future directions include novel therapeutics targeting the kisspeptin system and the development of wearable artificial kidneys to provide continuous uremic clearance. This review provides a clinically focused overview of the endocrine mechanisms, features, and management of reproductive dysfunction in hemodialysis.