| Hypogonadism is a medical term for a defect | | | | Hypogonadism is most often treated by |
| of the reproductive system which results in | | | | replacement of the appropriate hormones. |
| lack of function of the gonads (ovaries or | | | | Gonadotropin or GnRH replacement is offered |
| testes). Hypogonadism may occur if the | | | | to the patient when fertility is desired. |
| hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is | | | | Oral testosterone is no longer used in the |
| interrupted at any level. Hypergonadotropic | | | | U.S. because it is broken down in the liver |
| hypogonadism (primary hypogonadism) results | | | | and rendered inactive. In boys, testosterone |
| if the gonad does not produce the amount of | | | | replacement therapy (TRT) can stimulate |
| steroid sufficient to suppress secretion of | | | | puberty and the development of secondary |
| LH and FSH at normal levels. Hypogonadism | | | | characteristics, such as increased muscle |
| resulting from defects of the gonads is | | | | mass, beard and pubic hair growth. Also |
| traditionally referred to as primary | | | | available is a topical 1% testosterone gel. |
| hypogonadism. Examples include Klinefelter | | | | It is applied once daily to clean, dry skin |
| syndrome and Turner syndrome. Hypogonadism | | | | of the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. |
| resulting from hypothalamic or pituitary | | | | Another alternative is testosterone patches. |
| defects are termed secondary hypogonadism or | | | | The testosterone may be mixed with the |
| central hypogonadism (referring to the | | | | adhesive with a new patch applied daily to a |
| central nervous system). Hypogonadism can | | | | different site; this system leaves a sticky |
| affect men of any age, from fetal | | | | residue but causes little skin irritation. |
| development, through puberty and adulthood. | | | | Injections of pituitary hormone may be used |
| Hypogonadism is one of the main causes of | | | | to help male patients produce sperm. In |
| male infertility. It is estimated that 13 | | | | others, surgery and radiation therapy may be |
| million men in the United States alone are | | | | needed. In adult men, TRT can restore |
| affected by hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is | | | | function and muscle strength and prevent bone |
| caused by deficient testosterone secretion by | | | | loss. |
| the testes. The two basic types of male | | | | |
| hypogonadism are Primary and Secondary. | | | | Treatment for Hypogonadism Tips |
| | | | |
| Hypogonadism Primary, also known as primary | | | | 1. Hormone-based medicines are available for |
| testicular failure, originates from an | | | | men and women. |
| abnormality in the testicles. Hypogonadism | | | | |
| may be induced by chronic use of anabolic | | | | 2. Estrogen comes in the form of a patch or |
| androgenic steroids (AAS). The Secondary type | | | | pill. |
| of hypogonadism is caused by defects in the | | | | |
| pituitary gland connected to the brain that | | | | 3. Testosterone can be given by using a patch |
| controls hormone production. If chemical | | | | Injections of pituitary hormone may be used |
| messages from the pituitary gland to the | | | | to help male patients produce sperm. |
| testicles aren't sent, impaired testicular | | | | |
| function occurs. This condition can be a | | | | 4. Topical 1% testosterone gel. It is applied |
| result from defects in development of the | | | | once daily to clean, dry skin of the |
| pituitary gland, certain inflammatory | | | | shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. |
| diseases, and the use of certain drugs used | | | | |
| in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and | | | | 5. Tumors can be treated with surgery and |
| gastroesophageal reflux disease. Mental and | | | | radiotherapy. |
| emotional changes can also accompany | | | | |
| hypogonadism. As testosterone decreases, some | | | | 6. In boys, testosterone replacement therapy |
| men may experience signs and symptoms similar | | | | (TRT) can stimulate puberty and the |
| to those of menopause in women. These may | | | | development of secondary characteristics, |
| include hot flashes, decreased drive, | | | | such as increased muscle mass, beard and |
| irritability, depression and fatigue. | | | | pubic hair growth. |
| | | | |