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