Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Obese Young Males
Phase: PHASE2
Conditions: Hypogonadism, Hypogonadotropic
Sponsor: Sandeep Singh Dhindsa, M.D., F.A.C.E

 
 
 
Title: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Obese Young Males 
 
PI: Sandeep Dhindsa, MD  
 
NCT03245827 
 
Date: 6/2/2020 
 
Sandeep S Dhindsa, M.D 
Professor of Medicine 
Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Saint Louis University 
SLUCare Academic Pavilion  
1008 South Spring Avenue 
2nd Floor, Room #2525 
St. Louis, MO 63110 
Phone: 314-977-4911, Fax: 314-977-6797, Mobile: 716-598-1544 
sandeep.dhindsa@health.slu.edu 
 
 
 
 

 
Obesity in men is associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). 25% of obese men have subnormal testosterone 
(T) concentrations (1, 2). Men with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome also have a high prevalence of HH (3). The 
prevalence of subnormal T concentrations is directly proportional to the insulin resistance in these men (4). This 
association is observed at all ages, including young men and obese adolescents (5). We have recently shown that T 
concentrations of adolescent boys at completion of puberty (Tanner stage 5) are only half of those in lean boys (6, 7). 40% 
of the obese boys have free testosterone (FT) concentrations lower than the 5th percentile of those in lean boys (6). The 
gonadotropin concentrations in these boys with subnormal T concentrations were not high, hence they had HH.  
      The cause of obesity related HH is not well understood. Since T and androstenedione in the male can be converted to 
estradiol and estrone respectively through the action of aromatase in the mesenchymal cells and pre-adipocytes of adipose 
tissue, it has been suggested that excessive estrogen secretion due to aromatase activity in the obese may potentially 
suppress the hypothalamic secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) (2, 8). It therefore follows that the 
estradiol concentrations in men with HH and obesity should be elevated to account for the suppression of gonadotropin 
secretion. However, we have shown that this widely believed presumption is not true (9, 10).  Estradiol concentrations are 
lower in males with HH as compared to eugonadal obese men. This is true in men at all ages (adolescents, middle-age and 
elderly) (6, 9, 11). Thus, other factors associated with obesity likely account for the HH. It is now known that kisspeptin, a 
hypothalamic neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, and the presence of kisspeptin receptors on the GnRH neurons (G 
protein-coupled receptor 54) is obligate for the release of GnRH (12, 13). Kisspeptin neurons express both leptin and 
insulin receptors, thus possibly accumulating evidence of metabolic health and translating it into reproductive health. 
Leptin appears to serve as a signal of energy reserves to regulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in relation to 
nutritional status (14). It is possible that leptin resistance in neurons may contribute to the pathogenesis of 
hypogonadotropism seen in obesity. Direct evidence in humans supporting or disproving this reasoning is, however, 
lacking. Interestingly, the selective deletion of the insulin receptor from neurons leads to a reduction in LH and T 
concentrations (15). In addition, these animals have atrophic seminiferous tubules with markedly impaired or absent 
spermatogenesis. Incubation of hypothalamic neurons with insulin results in the facilitation of secretion of GnRH (16, 17). 
Thus, insulin action and insulin responsiveness in the brain are necessary for the maintenance of the functional integrity of 
the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal axis. A combination of leptin and insulin resistance may play a role in the 
pathogenesis of these defects. 
   Obese men with HH have more subcutaneous and visceral fat and are more insulin resistant than eugonadal obese 
men(4). Similarly, T concentrations in obese adolescent boys are inversely related to insulin resistance and C-reactive 
protein (CRP) concentrations, independent of obesity(6). We have recently shown that T replacement in middle aged men 
decreases fat mass, increases lean body mass and increases insulin sensitivity (4). The expression of insulin signaling 
genes (IR-β, IRS-1, AKT-2, and GLUT4) in adipose tissue was significantly lower in men with HH and was upregulated 
after T treatment. T replacement also decreased free fatty acids (FFA), CRP, Interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor 
(TNF)-α concentrations. In addition, T therapy suppressed the mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators that 
inhibit insulin signaling: suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK)-β, 
and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in mononuclear cells (MNC). However, T therapy is not ideal for long term 
use in those who desire fertility since it decreases spermatogenesis (18). Therefore alternatives need to be explored for 
younger men. GnRH and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are both effective in increasing T concentrations and 
increasing spermatogenesis. GnRH has to be infused continuously by an external pump while hCG therapy has to be 
injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times a week. Both are expensive for chronic long term treatment. 
Aromatase inhibition can suppress estradiol concentrations and increase T concentrations. However, the sharp fall in 
estradiol concentrations may not be ideal since males depend upon estradiol for the maintenance of their bone density and 
strength. Aromatase inhibitors decrease bone mineral density in elderly men(19). Clomiphene citrate is a mixture of two 
diastereoisomers, (cis)zuclomiphene citrate (38%) and (trans)enclomiphene citrate (62%). Zuclomiphene is thought to be 
an estrogen agonist in high doses (44). By contrast, enclomiphene citrate is primarily responsible for causing an increase 
in FSH and LH in studies of male subjects by estrogen antagonism. Enclomiphene binds potently to estrogen receptor 
while zuclomiphene is not believed to be active at physiological concentrations. Clomiphene is available as an oral 
preparation and is an estrogen antagonist at hypothalamic level. It can thus interfere with the negative feedback of 
estradiol. It is effective in increasing T concentrations, while maintaining spermatogenesis (18, 20).  By inhibiting the 
normal estrogen mediated feedback, enclomiphene has been shown to increase T concentrations in obese men with HH, 
even though they do not have elevated estradiol concentrations (18). Clomiphene increases bone density and does not 
affect lipid profile (21). In a randomized placebo controlled cross over trial, Pelusi et al randomized 24 obese men (age 
range 35-55 years, mean 47 years) with diabetes or prediabetes and low total testosterone (<300 ng/dl) to clomiphene 
25mg or placebo capsules daily(22). There were two periods of treatment (3 months each) separated by a washout of 6 
weeks. Treatment with clomiphene doubled the calculated free testosterone concentrations (7.5 ng/dl to 15 ng/dl). LH, 

FSH and free estradiol also doubled. Bendre et al noted similar results in a retrospective chart review of obese young men 
(18-21 years) with low total testosterone (<350 ng/dl) after treatment with clomiphene(23). Clomiphene is not FDA 
approved for treatment of hypogonadism, but it may be an attractive and inexpensive alternative to T therapy in young 
men who are interested in fertility.   
      Some (but not all) studies have shown that BMI is inversely related to sperm counts, sperm morphology and sperm 
motility(24-29). Data are most consistent about the impact of morbid obesity on spermatogenesis. In a meta-analysis of 21 
studies, BMI>40kg/m2 was associated with a doubling of risk of oligospermia (<40 million spermatozoa per ejaculate) or 
azoospermia (30). Weight loss in obese males increases sperm count (31). Obese males have evidence of decreased 
testicular function, as shown by lower concentrations of insulin like factor 3 (sensitive marker of Leydig cell function) and 
inhibin B (marker of Sertoli cell function) (32-34). A longitudinal study of testicular function across childhood has shown 
that weight gain during childhood is associated with lower testicular volume, serum T and inhibin B concentrations at the 
age of 21 years(35). 
    We hypothesize that 1) obese young males with HH (18-45 years of age) will show evidence of decreased Leydig and 
Sertoli cell function, decreased insulin sensitivity and increased inflammation; and 2) Clomiphene treatment will reverse 
these abnormalities.  
Aim 1.1: To compare the serum concentrations of insulin like factor 3 (sensitive marker of leydig cell function) and 
inhibin B (marker of Sertoli cell function) in obese males with and without HH and in lean males.  
Aim 1.2: To compare the insulin resistance (measured by homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in 
obese males with and without HH and in lean males. 
Aim 1.3: To compare FFA, TNF-α, IL-1β and CRP concentrations, and mRNA expression of SOCS-3, IKK-β, and PTEN 
in MNC in obese males with and without HH and in lean males. 
 
Aim 2.1: To measure the change in serum concentrations of T (primary endpoint), insulin like factor 3 and inhibin B 
after treatment with clomiphene tablets or placebo for 12 weeks in obese males with HH.  
Aim 2.2: To measure the change in waist circumference and HOMA-IR in obese males with HH after treatment with 
clomiphene or placebo for 12 weeks in obese males with HH. 
Aim 2.3: To measure FFA, TNF-α, IL-1β and CRP concentrations, and mRNA expression of SOCS-3, IKK-β, and PTEN 
in MNC in obese males with HH after treatment with clomiphene or placebo for 12 weeks in obese males with HH. 
 
Significance 
The prevalence of obesity in adolescents has seen a steep rise in the last few decades. 20% of all adolescent boys are now 
considered obese (BMI ≥95th percentile)(36). However, the consequences of the lower FT at completion of puberty in 
obese boys are not known. Males are supposed to achieve their “peak T concentrations” at puberty. Thereafter, there is a 
decline of FT at the rate of 2% per year for the rest of life (37). It is possible that HH in obese young males with HH have 
more insulin resistance, inflammation and possibly increased predisposition to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. They 
may also have deficient spermatogenesis and decreased fertility. It is the intent of this project to understand the effects of 
having HH in obese young men on testicular function, insulin sensitivity and inflammation. This study will also generate 
preliminary efficacy data on a therapeutic option (clomiphene) for this condition. The results will inform the design of 
future trials and provide a comparison for other treatment modalities to increase T concentrations in young males with 
HH. 
 
APPROACH 
The study will be conducted at the division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University. Young males between the ages of 
18-45 years will be recruited for the study. A total of 90 males will be recruited: 30 obese males (defined as ≥30 kg/m2) 
with HH, 30 obese males with normal FT concentrations and 30 lean males (<25 kg/m2) with normal FT concentrations.  
Hypogonadal males: 30 male subjects with HH will be recruited into the study. HH will be defined as subnormal FT 
concentrations along with normal or low LH concentrations (≤10 IU/L). We will define subnormal FT as <6.5 ng/dl. 
Subjects with subnormal FT and high LH (>10 IU/L) will not be recruited into the study. Obese subjects will be 
randomized to receive clomiphene or placebo (15 subjects each) thrice a week for 12 weeks.  
Eugonadal men: 30 obese and 30 lean males with normal FT (≥6.5 ng/dl) will also be recruited in the study to serve as 
comparison groups. They will not be treated clomiphene.  
INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR THE STUDY: Males with age 18-45 years inclusive will be recruited. Subjects with 
type 2 diabetes on anti-hyperglycemic drugs (including insulin) will be allowed as long as they are on stable doses of 
these compounds for at least 6 weeks. The doses of anti-hyperglycemic can be changed if the subject has hypoglycemia or 
hyperglycemia. A record of all the changes in the doses of the anti-diabetic drugs will be kept. 

EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR THE STUDY: 1)Use of androgens, clomiphene, hCG, aromatase inhibitors or over the 
counter health supplements which contain androgens currently or in the past 6 months; 3)Hematocrit > 50%; 4)Congestive 
heart failure; 5) currently suffering from depression; 6) type 1 diabetes; 7)Hepatic disease (transaminase > 3 times normal) 
or cirrhosis, or a history of liver dysfunction; 8)Renal impairment (eGFR<30 ml/min/1.73m2); 9)HIV or Hepatitis C 
positive status; 10)Participation in any other concurrent clinical trial; 11) currently suffering from foot ulcer, significant 
periodontal disease or any other chronic infectious condition 12) known allergy to clomiphene 13) uncontrolled adrenal or 
thyroid dysfunction 14) presence of an organic intracranial lesion e.g. pituitary tumor 15) history of cataracts 16) history 
of venous thromboembolic disease (i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism). 
 
STUDY DESIGN:- 
Screening Day (part of study): All subjects will have completed the following procedures prior to participating in the 
study:- 
1) Medical History; 2) Physical Exam: testicular volume will be measured by an orchidometer (38); 3) Informed consent; 
4) Baseline lab (30 ml) draw to measure CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP that includes liver and kidney 
function tests), total and free T, SHBG, LH and FSH. All labs will be drawn in the fasting state in the morning before 
10am. All laboratory samples will be tested in the Endocrine laboratory in Doisy Hall Room 204. 
 
Study visits for males with normal FT: The participants will come fasting and have blood drawn for research labs 
(insulin, glucose, inflammation). They will then be discharged from the study. 
 
Study visits for obese males with HH: These subjects will enter a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. 
Subjects who qualify and consent to take part in the study will be assigned a number by a computerized random number 
generation program and will be randomized (1:1) to receive either clomiphene or placebo. An unblinded research nurse 
and pharmacist will administer study product, all other investigators and the study participants will be blinded. This 
number will be used as the study subject ID. A master list of subject name and study ID will be kept under lock and key to 
protect patient identifiers. Only the assigned research nurse will have access to the randomization list. 
 
1. Visit day 0: The participants will come fasting and have blood drawn for research labs (insulin, glucose, CRP; 45 ml). 
Waist circumference will be measured. They will be given a supply of clomiphene or placebo pills containing cellulose. 
Clomiphene citrate is available as 50 mg tablets and has a half life of 5-7 days. The starting dose of clomiphene will be 
25mg on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. All subjects will be given a pill container that will have separate 
boxes for different days of the week. 
2. Visits to adjust study drug (week 4 and week 8): A blood sample (30 ml) will be collected at weeks 4 and 8 to measure 
CBC, CMP and FT concentrations. The time frame for follow-ups will be within a week of the designated follow up time. 
Dose of clomiphene will be adjusted to keep FT between 12 and 16 ng/dL (mid-normal for healthy young men). If FT is 
<12 ng/dl, then the dose of CC will be increased by 25mg/week. If FT is >16 ng/dl, then the dose will be reduced by 
25mg/week. The blood samples for dose adjustment will be taken on Wednesday or Friday. Patients in both clomiphene 
and placebo groups will be told that their tablet quantities may vary during the study. If the number of pills of a patient in 
the clomiphene group is changed, a similar change will be made in the number of placebo tablets in the next patient in 
placebo group. 
3. Week 12: The participants will come fasting and have blood drawn for research labs, CBC, CMP, SHBG, LH, FSH 
total and free T (45 ml). Waist circumference and testicular size will be measured. Gynecomastia will be assessed. 
Subjects will then be discharged from the study.  
The following study termination criteria will be applied:-  
• 
Adverse events considered by the PI to be associated with the use of the study drug 
• 
Suspected thromboembolic event, including pulmonary embolism. Subjects who have a thromboembolic 
event ruled out may reinitiate treatment 
• 
Hemoglobin of 18 g/dL or higher, or a hematocrit of 54% or higher 
• 
Visual changes which may be prolonged and possibly irreversible. Subjects will be advised to stop drug 
and be referred to an ophthalmologist. 
• 
The subject requests to be withdrawn from the study 
 
 
Laboratory measurements:- 
Measurement in research laboratory: Insulin concentrations will be determined using an ELISA kit from Diagnostic 
Systems Laboratories Inc. (Webster, TX). Glucose levels will be measured in plasma by YSI 2300 STAT Plus glucose 

analyzer (Yellow Springs, Ohio). HOMA-IR will be calculated from fasting insulin and glucose level using the formula: 
[fasting insulin (mU/l) X fasting glucose (mmol/l)]/22.5. TNF-α, IL-1β and CRP concentrations will be measured by 
ELISA. FFA will be measured by a colorimetric assay. MNC will be isolated by Ficoll-hypaque method. 
Quantification of mRNA expression of SOCS-3, IKK- β, and PTEN will be done by RT-PCR as previously published (4, 
39, 40). Insulin like factor 3 and inhibin B will be measured by ELISA. 
Measurements in commercial laboratory: T is largely bound to SHBG (44%) and albumin (54%). Hence, total T does 
not reflect the bio-availability of T at the cellular level (41). Obesity is associated with lower SHBG concentrations. It is 
therefore important to measure FT concentrations in obese males to get an accurate assessment of gonadal status. Reliable 
assays for FT were not widely available until recently. In our study, we will measure T by the gold standard method, 
liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (42). FT will be separated by equilibrium dialysis. 
SHBG, LH and FSH will be measured by immunoassays. CBC and CMP will be measured by well established clinical 
assays. The assays will be performed by Quest Diagnostics. We have previously published many studies in which 
measurements of serum T on our study subjects were done by Quest Diagnostics (1, 3, 5, 6, 9).  
 
Data Analysis: The focus of the proposed research is to evaluate the efficacy of clomiphene treatment on T 
concentrations in young obese post-pubertal males. Transformations of the data in order to meet statistical assumptions 
may be considered. The results will be computed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The primary endpoint of the study is 
to detect a difference in FT concentrations after treatment with clomiphene for 12 weeks. There are no prior studies 
analyzing the effect of clomiphene in young males with HH. However, studies in middle aged men with obesity related 
HH and use of clomiphene or its isomer, enclomiphene have shown an increase in FT concentrations by 150%(21, 43). 
Change in FT concentrations following clomiphene or placebo for 12 weeks will be compared among the groups by 
unpaired t-test. Conservatively estimating a difference in FT concentrations of 50%, a sample size of 15 patients per 
treatment group (assuming a drop-out rate of 20%) should provide adequate power( = 0.8) to detect a significant 
difference ( = 0.05), provided the standard deviation of the residuals is not greater than 40%. Thus 30 obese subjects 
with HH (15 patients each in clomiphene and placebo groups) with be sufficient. For baseline comparisons with men 
without HH, we will recruit 30 eugonadal obese and 30 lean males. Thus there will be 90 subjects in the study. 
Secondary End Points: The secondary endpoints for the study will be comparison of the relative change from baseline in 
HOMA-IR and inflammatory mediators after clomiphene or placebo. These parameters will also be compared between 
obese and lean males at baseline. We have previously shown that obese men with HH have 36% higher insulin resistance 
than eugonadal men. Estimating a difference in HOMA-IR of 20%, a sample size of 30 patients per treatment group 
should provide adequate power( = 0.8) to detect a significant difference ( = 0.05), provided the standard deviation of 
the residuals is not greater than 25%.  
 
 
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