Hypogonadism
What is Hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism is a medical condition where the testicles do not produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that is key in masculine growth and development. Hypogonadism can also mean the patient has a reduced ability to produce sperm.
Hypogonadism is primary failure of the testicular tissue itself, or secondary failure of the pituitary gland to signal that testicular tissue to produce testosterone.
Symptoms
Hypogonadism can start at any stage of life, whether this is in fetal development, during puberty or as an adult.
Puberty
Male hypogonadism may delay puberty or cause incomplete or lack of normal development. It can cause:
- Decreased development of muscle mass
- Lack of deepening of the voice
- Impaired growth of body hair
- Impaired growth of the penis and testicles
- Excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the rest of the body
- Development of breast tissue (gynaecomastia)
Adulthood
In adult males, hypogonadism may alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Decrease in beard and body hair growth
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Development of breast tissue (gynaecomastia)
- Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
- Increase in weight
Hypogonadism can also have negative effects on a man’s mental and emotional state causing.
- Increased fatigue
- Decreased libido
- Decreased cognitive function
- Hot flushes/excess sweating
- Emotional lability
- Irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of self-confidence and drive