What is hypogonadism? Hypogonadism occurs when your sex glands produce little or no sex hormones. The sex glands, also called gonads, are primarily the testes in men and the ovaries in women. Sex hormones help control secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development in women, testicular development in men, and pubic hair growth. Sex hormones also play a role in the menstrual cycle and sperm production. Hypogonadism may also be known as gonad deficiency. It may be called low serum testosterone or andropause when it happens in males. Most cases of this condition respond well to appropriate medical treatment.

What are the types of hypogonadism? There are two types of hypogonadism: primary and central. Primary hypogonadism Primary hypogonadism means that you don’t have enough sex hormones in your body due to a problem in your gonads. Your gonads are still receiving the message to produce hormones from your brain, but they aren’t able to produce them. Central (secondary) hypogonadism In central hypogonadism, the problem lies in your brain. Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which control your gonads, aren’t working properly.

How is hypogonadism diagnosed? Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to confirm that your sexual development is at the proper level for your age. They may examine your muscle mass, body hair, and your sexual organs. Hormone tests If your doctor thinks you might have hypogonadism, they’ll first check your sex hormone levels. You’ll need a blood test to check your level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone. Your pituitary gland makes these reproductive hormones. You’ll have your estrogen level tested if you’re female. If you’re male, you’ll have your testosterone level tested. These tests are usually drawn in the morning when your hormone levels are highest. If you’re male, your doctor may also order a semen analysis to check your sperm count. Hypogonadism can reduce your sperm count. Your doctor may order more blood tests to help confirm a diagnosis and rule out any underlying causes. Iron levels can affect your sex hormones. For this reason, your doctor may check for high blood iron levels, typically seen in hemochromatosis. Your doctor may also wish to measure your prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that promotes breast development and breast milk production in women, but it’s present in both genders. Your doctor may also check your thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to hypogonadism. Imaging tests Imaging tests can also be useful in diagnosis. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the ovaries and check for any problems, including ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome. Your doctor may order MRIs or CT scans to check for tumors in your pituitary gland.

What are the treatments for hypogonadism? Treatment for female hypogonadism If you’re female, your treatment will involve increasing your amount of female sex hormones. Your first line of treatment will probably be estrogen therapy if you’ve had a hysterectomy. Either a patch or pill can administer supplemental estrogen. Because increased estrogen levels can increase your risk of endometrial cancer, you’ll be given a combination of estrogen and progesterone if you haven’t had a hysterectomy. Progesterone can lower your risk for endometrial cancer if you’re taking estrogen. Other treatments can target specific symptoms. If you have a decreased sex drive, you may receive low doses of testosterone. If you have menstrual irregularities or trouble conceiving, you may receive injections of the hormone human choriogonadotropin or pills containing FSH to trigger ovulation. Treatment for male hypogonadism Testosterone is a male sex hormone. Testosterone replacement therapy is a widely used treatment for hypogonadism in males. You can get testosterone replacement therapy by: injection

patch

gel

lozenge Injections of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone may trigger puberty or increase your sperm production. Treatment for hypogonadism in men and women Treatment for males and females is similar if the hypogonadism is due to a tumor on the pituitary gland. Treatment to shrink or remove the tumor may include: radiation

medication

surgery