What is male hypogonadism?
Male hypogonadism is a medical condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Hypogonadism also refers to the inability to produce enough sperm.
Testosterone is an important reproductive hormone that plays a key role in masculine development and growth during puberty.
What are the symptoms of male hypogonadism?
The signs and symptoms of hypogonadism depend on when the condition develops. During fetal development, if the body doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, there might be impaired growth of the external sex organs.
Depending on how much testosterone is present and when hypogonadism develops, a child who is genetically male might be born with:
- Female genitals
- Ambiguous genitals — genitals that are neither clearly female nor male
- Underdeveloped male genitals
For adult males, hypogonadism can alter some masculine physical characteristics and impair reproductive functioning. Adult males with hypogonadism might experience:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Decrease in body hair and beard growth
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
Hypogonadism can also lead to emotional changes. If you have any symptoms of male hypogonadism, you should visit Arizona Urology for an evaluation.
What causes male hypogonadism?
The two different types of hypogonadism can have different causes.
Primary hypogonadism
Primary hypogonadism or primary testicular failure involves a problem with the testicles.
Secondary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism indicates an issue with the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland — parts of your brain that signal the testicles to produce testosterone.
Either type of hypogonadism might be caused or worsened by an inherited trait, abnormal chromosomes, or environmental factors later in life, such as an injury or an infection.
Other possible causes include:
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood)
- Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
- Pituitary disorders and abnormalities in the pituitary gland
- Kallmann syndrome (abnormal development of the hypothalamus)
- HIV/AIDS that affects the hypothalamus, testes, and pituitary
- Some medications, such as opiate pain medications and some hormones
- Obesity
Certain inflammatory diseases like tuberculosis can also lead to hypogonadism.
How is male hypogonadism treated?
The first step is usually an in-depth discussion, a physical exam, and any other necessary testing, such as blood work, a semen analysis, and genetic studies. To treat hypogonadism, your doctor might recommend:
- Hormone therapy
- Medications
- Surgery when necessary, such as the implantation of penile prosthetics
- Healthy lifestyle changes, such as nutritional counseling and stress management
During your initial consultation, your Arizona Urology provider can discuss your treatment options and help you decide what’s best.
Restore hormonal balance and resolve the associated problems, so you can experience the homeostasis and wellness that go along with it. Call Arizona Urology today.
