Hypogonadism - Hormone Health Clinic

Hypogonadism: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that plays a key role in reproductive development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics.

There are two main types of hypogonadism:

• Primary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the testes themselves. This means they do not function properly and cannot produce adequate levels of testosterone. Some causes include Klinefelter syndrome, infections, trauma, and cancer treatments.
• Secondary hypogonadism indicates there is an issue with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain. These glands signal the testes to produce testosterone. If they malfunction, testosterone levels drop. Causes include pituitary tumors, inflammation, and certain medications.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Some common signs of low testosterone are:

Physical Symptoms	Psychological Symptoms
Decreased energy and fatigue	Depression
Loss of muscle mass	Irritability
Weight gain, especially around the waist	Other mood changes
Difficulty achieving or maintaining erections
Reduced sex drive and performance
Loss of body and facial hair
Decreased bone density

Diagnosis of Hypogonadism

How is hypogonadism diagnosed? Doctors will order blood tests to measure testosterone levels. They may also check luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which signal testosterone production. Imaging tests can identify problems with the pituitary gland or testes.

Treatment of Hypogonadism

How is hypogonadism treated? Treatment focuses on replacing missing testosterone. Options include:

Treatment	Description
Testosterone replacement therapy	This involves getting testosterone directly through gels, patches, injections or pellets surgically implanted under the skin. It is effective at relieving symptoms.
HCG injections	Human chorionic gonadotropin mimics LH to stimulate testosterone production.
Estrogen receptor blockers	These medications block effects of estrogen and allow testosterone to work unopposed.

Lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep also support healthy testosterone levels. If hypogonadism develops before puberty, hormone therapy is needed to induce sexual development.

Conclusion

Treating hypogonadism can significantly improve quality of life. Symptoms resolve and men feel more energetic, stronger, and mentally sharper. It also reduces risk of developing other medical problems like osteoporosis and heart disease. Diagnosing and managing hypogonadism as early as possible yields the best results.

If you are struggling with symptoms of low testosterone, the caring physicians at Hormone Health Clinic can help. Contact them today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. They develop individualized treatment plans using cutting edge therapies to get your hormones back in balance. Regain your energy, strength and confidence!