Low testosterone or hypogonadism is a male hormone deficiency condition affecting a significant number of men worldwide, especially those aged 45 years and older. Male hypogonadism occurs when the body does not produce an adequate amount of either sperm or testosterone, the hormone that plays a vital role in masculine development during puberty.
Hypogonadism can be a congenital condition or one that is developed later in life due to infection or injury. There are two main types of male hypogonadism: primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism. Read on to learn more about these two forms of male hypogonadism and what makes them significantly different.
What is primary hypogonadism?
Primary hypogonadism is a condition that arises because of an issue in the testicles. It is also commonly known as “primary testicular failure.” Its usual causes include genetic disorders like Klinefelter and Turner syndromes, autoimmune diseases like hypoparathyroidism, severe infections that mainly involve the testicles, undescended testes, hemochromatosis, and liver and kidney injury.
A man may be diagnosed with primary hypogonadism if his sperm count and serum testosterone concentration are below normal while his serum FSH and LH concentrations are above average. There are several ways to diagnose this sexual health condition, including semen analysis, hormone testing, testicular biopsy, and genetic testing.
What is secondary hypogonadism?
Secondary hypogonadism is a form of male hypogonadism that arises when there is a problem in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. It is also sometimes called “central hypogonadism.” The common causes of this second type of hypogonadism are pituitary disorders, inflammatory diseases, Kallmann’s syndrome, obesity, ageing, and HIV/AIDS.
Some men may experience secondary hypogonadism if their sperm count and serum testosterone concentration are subnormal and their serum FSH and LH concentrations are not increased. One may undergo semen analysis, hormone testing, and pituitary imaging to diagnose this condition.
What makes primary hypogonadism different from secondary hypogonadism?
Primary and secondary hypogonadism can sometimes be difficult to distinguish because they usually have similar symptoms, such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and lessened or loss of strength. However, while primary hypogonadism originates with a problem in the testicles, secondary hypogonadism stems from an issue in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. This is the main difference between the two types of male hypogonadism.
Moreover, aside from their origin, primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism also have varying serum chemistry. In primary hypogonadism, the sperm count and serum testosterone concentration are below average, and the serum FSH and LH concentrations are excessively high. On the other hand, the concerns with secondary hypogonadism are subnormal sperm count and serum testosterone concentration as well as unelevated serum FSH and LH concentrations.
Regarding treatment options, both primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism can be treated via testosterone hormone replacement therapy, a process in which the patient will be given testosterone through either injection, gel, patch, and nasal or implantable pellets.
However, primary hypogonadism can also be treated with the help of assisted reproductive technology. In contrast, the other options for treating secondary hypogonadism include giving pituitary hormones to stimulate sperm production and restore fertility and surgically removing pituitary tumours.
Conclusion
In essence, male hypogonadism is a medical condition wherein, not enough testosterone is being produced by the testicles. It has two main types whose symptoms may be similar, but the origins, serum chemistries, and treatment options vary. By knowing the difference between primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism, a patient can determine better which treatment solution is most ideal for his condition.
If you suspect that you are experiencing hypogonadism or any other form of male hormone deficiency, Elyon Clinic is here to help you! We are a reputable men’s health clinic in Singapore that provides quality assistance and solutions to sexual health problems like male hormone deficiencies and STDs. Our reliable services include consultations, testosterone level tests, as well as safe and effective treatments. To book an appointment with us, call us at 6802 7208.
