About 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.
Possible Causes of Hypogonadism
- autoimmune disorders, such as Addison’s disease and hypoparathyroidism
- genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
- severe infections, especially mumps involving your testicles
- liver and kidney diseases
- undescended testes
- hemochromatosis, which happens when your body absorbs too much iron
- radiation exposure
- surgery on your sexual organs
Symptoms that may appear in females include:
- lack of menstruation
- slow or absent breast growth
- hot flashes
- loss of body hair
- low or absent sex drive
- milky discharge from breasts
Symptoms that may appear in males include:
- loss of body hair
- muscle loss
- abnormal breast growth
- reduced growth of penis and testicles
- erectile dysfunction
- osteoporosis
- low or absent sex drive
- infertility
- fatigue
- hot flashes
- difficulty concentrating
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