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Hypogonadism

Description

Hypogonadism is an abnormal condition characterized by reduced or no formation of sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. It occurs due to the decreased functional activity of the sex glands or gonads, the testes or ovaries.

 

Hypogonadism generally has two types.

One classification is the following:

  • Hypo-androgenism: Low testosterone levels
  • Hypo-estrogenism: Low estrogen levels

 

The other classification is the following:

  • Primary Hypogonadism: Insufficient amounts of sex hormones in the body due to dysfunction of the gonads. The brain signals the gonads to produce the sex hormones; however, the gonads are irresponsive or respond inadequately.
  • Secondary or Central Hypogonadism: Insufficient amounts of sex hormones in the body due to a problem in the brain, particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are involved in sex hormone production signaling.
Causes

Following are the causes:

  • Autoimmune disorders, such as Addison’s disease (adrenal gland dysfunction)
  • Genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter Syndrome (male hypogonadism) and Turner Syndrome (female hypogonadism)
  • Hemochromatosis, raised iron levels in the body
  • Liver and Kidney diseases
  • Severe infections, such as mumps and Human-Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Surgery involving the sexual organs
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Undescended testes
  • Brain disorders and diseases
  • Inflammatory diseases
Risk factors

The following are the risk factors:

  • Genetic or family history of hypogonadism
  • Genetic or family history of brain diseases or disorders affecting the sex hormones
  • Obesity
  • Steroids usage
  • Frequent exposure to radiation
  • Sudden weight changes
  • Nutritional deficiencies
Symptoms

The symptoms occurring in females include:

  • Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
  • Absent or retarded beast growth
  • Hot flashes
  • Loss of body hair
  • Reduced or absent sex drive
  • Milky discharge from breasts

The symptoms occurring in men include:

  • Abnormally small testes or penis
  • Gynecomastia (breast development in men)
  • Loss of body hair
  • Muscle loss
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility
  • Reduced or absent sex drive
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Hypogonadism is made when a doctor examines the patient physically, checks relevant symptoms, and performs certain lab tests.

Primarily, the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone levels circulating in the blood are checked. Additionally, in the case of females, estrogen levels are checked. In males, testosterone levels are tested.

Furthermore, the sperm count, prolactin levels, and iron levels may also be checked.

Management

Following is the management in females:

  • Estrogen therapy
  • Progesterone therapy
  • Human Choriogonadotropin Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Surgery
  • Radiation

Following is the management in males:

  • Testosterone therapy
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
  • Surgery
  • Radiation

Please note that the treatment and management may be different for each individual, depending on his/her causes, and the symptoms and their severity. Please consult your doctor for further information.

When to consult a doctor?

Early diagnosis of Hypogonadism can lead to effective and successful treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, please see a doctor.

 

Available Medicine for Hypogonadism

Testosteron Inj 250mg

Rs.44.2

Geofman

Testosteron Inj 250mg

Rs.271.12

Schering-Plough

Testofort 250mg

Rs.0

Pliva

Testonon 250mg

Rs.61.16

Zafa

Testoviron Depot 250mg

Rs.132.89

Bayer

Andrex 40mg

Rs.319.73

OBS