(PNM-12) Functional hypogonadism due to stress in medical residents: a longitudinal observational study

Abstract Introduction/Objective Medical residency is a period associated with high physical and emotional stress, with potential hormonal repercussions and impact on quality of life. This study longitudinally assessed total testosterone levels and quality of life scores (WHOQOL-BREF) in first-year medical residents. Material and Methods Twenty medical residents were evaluated through three testosterone measurements and simultaneous administration of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire over the course of the first year of residency. Means were compared using paired t-tests, and Pearson correlations were calculated between testosterone levels and WHOQOL scores, both at the population level and individually. Results Participants showed a mean baseline testosterone level near the lower threshold of normality. There was a significant increase in mean testosterone levels from the first to the second measurement (3.71 → 4.29 ng/mL, p = 0.015) and from the first to the third measurement (3.71 → 4.54 ng/mL, p = 0.003). Quality of life scores also increased significantly from the second to the third measurement (15.34 → 16.17, p = 0.007) and from the first to the third (p = 0.0005). No significant correlation between testosterone levels and WHOQOL scores was found in the population-level analyses, although some individuals showed significant positive correlations over time. Conclusion The results suggest a progressive improvement in hormonal levels and quality of life throughout the first year of medical residency, possibly related to adaptation to initial stress. Although no significant correlation between testosterone and quality of life was observed in the overall analysis, individual positive patterns raise relevant hypotheses for future studies with larger samples and better control of confounding variables. Financing No conflict.