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