Understanding Hypogonadism: Causes and Treatment

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What is male hypogonadism?

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty (testosterone) or enough sperm or both. You can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or infection.

How does hypogonadism affect testosterone levels?

These are responsible for the observed signs and symptoms in both males and females. Hypogonadism, commonly referred to by the symptom "low testosterone" or "Low T", can also decrease other hormones secreted by the gonads including progesterone, DHEA, anti-Müllerian hormone, activin, and inhibin.

What are the symptoms of male hypogonadism?

Age-related symptoms of male hypogonadism include inadequate sexual differentiation (congenital), delayed puberty (childhood onset), and various nonspecific symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, cognitive decline, decrease in percentage of lean body mass, sleep disturbances, and mood changes (adult onset).

How is male hypogonadism treated?

These studies might include: Male hypogonadism usually is treated with testosterone replacement to return testosterone levels to normal. Testosterone can help counter the signs and symptoms of male hypogonadism, such as decreased sexual desire, decreased energy, decreased facial and body hair, and loss of muscle mass and bone density.

What causes hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome that occurs when the gonads— testes and ovaries —produce low levels of sex hormones due to a disruption of the hypothalamic - pituitary -gonadal (HPG) axis. The release of sex hormones is under the control of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

What are the symptoms of hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism refers to a clinical syndrome that results in low levels of sex hormones. There are two types of hypogonadism: primary and secondary. Signs and symptoms of hypogonadism depend on the time of onset, and can include delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea, changes in mood and energy, infertility, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction.

What Is Hypogonadism

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354881
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/hypogonadism
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypogonadism
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307634
5. https://www.osmosis.org/answers/hypogonadism
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
7. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/crawler/topics/en-gb/1093
8. https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypogonadism-signs-symptoms-and-complications-5191935
9. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/male-reproductive-endocrinology-and-related-disorders/male-hypogonadism

Hypogonadism Information

1. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hypogonadism
2. https://patients.uroweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/PI_Male-hypogonadism_EN-2020.pdf
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532933/