Hypogonadism - Restore Wellness Clinic

What is hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the sex hormone testosterone. This occurs when there are issues with the testes or with the pituitary gland, which controls the testes.

There are two main types of hypogonadism:

• Primary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the testes and they do not produce enough testosterone on their own. This could be due to injury, infection, or other damage to the testes.
• Secondary hypogonadism occurs when there is an issue with the pituitary gland not signaling the testes properly to produce testosterone. The testes themselves may be healthy, but they do not receive the correct signals from the pituitary to produce enough testosterone.

Some common signs and symptoms of low testosterone due to hypogonadism include:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Mood changes like depression or irritability
• Reduced facial and body hair

What causes hypogonadism?

Potential causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism include:

• Injury or damage to the testes
• Chemotherapy or radiation treatments
• Inflammatory disease
• Obesity
• Age - testosterone levels decline naturally with age
• Genetic conditions present at birth

For secondary hypogonadism specifically, there may be a tumor or other issue with the pituitary gland that prevents proper signaling to the testes.

How is hypogonadism diagnosed and treated?

If symptoms of low testosterone are present, a blood test can confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism. The blood test would show low levels of testosterone along with high levels of LH and FSH (hormones produced by the pituitary gland to signal the testes).

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may involve:

• Testosterone replacement therapy - testosterone gels, patches, injections
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections to stimulate testosterone production
• Addressing tumors or issues with the pituitary gland if secondary hypogonadism is the cause
• Lifestyle changes - weight loss, strength training, stress management

For those with concerns about potential hypogonadism based on their symptoms, it is best to schedule an appointment with their doctor to request testing of their testosterone levels. If levels are low and other causes have been ruled out, then appropriate treatment can begin under the supervision of a doctor at a clinic like Restore Wellness Clinic.