Hypogonadism is a male hormone deficiency where the body doesn’t produce enough male hormones crucial for masculine growth and development during puberty, this condition can be due to underlying issues or genetics. Male hormone deficiency is more prevalent in older and obese males past the age of 40 but it can also affect men of all ages. Here’s what you need to know about hypogonadism; the causes, symptoms and treatment.
What causes hypogonadism?
There are two types of hypogonadism, primary and secondary.
Primary hypogonadism
In primary hypogonadism, the testicles have no response to hormonal stimulation, which can be due to several reasons. Some of the more common causes are due to Klinefelter’s syndrome, where sex chromosomes are abnormal, and a male has an additional X chromosome. This leads to unusual development of the testicles and low production of testosterone. Other reasons could be injured testicles during birth, and testicle infection, which leads to low testosterone production.
Secondary hypogonadism
In secondary hypogonadism, the testicles are ordinary. Still, they do not function due to a problem with the hypothalamus, a structure in the brain that manages hormones and the nervous system. It can also be a problem due to the pituitary gland, which sits below the hypothalamus and produces several essential hormones. The causes can be pituitary disorders, affecting testosterone production or some inflammatory diseases like tuberculosis which involve both the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, resulting in low testosterone levels. Age, obesity and taking certain pain medications can also play a part in this.
What are common signs of hypogonadism?
Some common signs include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, shrinking of the testicles and loss of hair on the body. Other symptoms in older men could be having a depressed mood, increased body fat, enlargement of the breast tissue and decreased muscle mass and endurance.
Can hypogonadism be treated, and how?
Yes, it can be treated with medical help, and it will be done using testosterone replacement therapy, improving the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men. You can discuss with your healthcare provider which treatment would be best for you, but there are mainly 3 options available.
Testosterone skin gels
This gel must be applied to dry and clean skin, as directed by the healthcare provider.
Testosterone injections
Your healthcare provider will administer the injection on a muscle every 1 or 2 weeks. Long-lasting injections can also be administered every 10 weeks, based on your preference and your healthcare assistant’s advice.
Testosterone skin patches
The skin patches need to be applied every day to the skin and must be rotated frequently to prevent any skin reactions.
Conclusion
It is not too late to act on male hormone deficiency if you suspect that you have it. Please speak with our healthcare professionals, and find the best solution for your treatment. To book an appointment to test for hypogonadism, please get in touch with Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.
