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:
Some common signs and symptoms of low testosterone due to hypogonadism include:
What causes hypogonadism?
Potential causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism include:
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:
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.