We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Hypogonadism?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 37,013
Share

Hypogonadism is a condition in which the function of the gonads is impaired, resulting in reduced production of sex hormones and potentially in a reduction in germ cells as well. This condition is more commonly seen in men, although it can occur in women as well. A number of causes can be associated with hypogonadism, and the treatment usually involves confirming and addressing the cause, if possible, and providing supplemental hormones which will replace the hormones not being produced by the gonads.

Some people have congenital hypogonadism, while in others, it may be acquired, the result of trauma, disease, and other processes. If this condition manifests in childhood, it can interfere with puberty because sex hormones are not being produced at the proper levels. The genitals may also fail to develop properly. In adults, the condition can cause infertility and a variety of other issues.

In primary hypogonadism, the problem lies with the testes or ovaries themselves. In secondary hypogonadism, the problem is caused by a situation somewhere else in the body, such as a malfunction of the pituitary gland which results in reduced hormone production, with less hormones reaching the gonads. When the gonads are not getting enough signals from the pituitary, they can stop functioning or experience a reduction in function.

This condition can be diagnosed with blood tests to check hormone levels. Testosterone in men is the hormone which is used as an indicator, and in women, tests can be done for hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). People experiencing fertility issues are often given such tests as part of the diagnostic process, to eliminate the disorder as a potential cause for fertility problems. This condition can also be diagnosed as part of a larger medical issue such as Klinefelter Syndrome or Turner Syndrome.

Treatment for hypogonadism involves the administration of testosterone to make up for the hormone not being produced by the body. A doctor can use blood tests to decide on the appropriate dosage, and it can take several tries to get the dosage right. Doctors can also explore potential treatments for the cause to see if hypogonadism can be resolved, allowing the body to produce the hormones it needs on its own.

Changes in hormone levels are often viewed as a natural consequence of aging, which means the condition sometimes goes unaddressed in older patients. A doctor may feel that the issue is not a concern or confuse this condition with normal aging processes. Older patients may want to consider consulting a gerontologist or an endocrinologist who focuses on working with older patients to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-hypogonadism.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.