OverviewWhat is hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism occurs when sex glands called gonads produce little, if any, sex hormones. It affects teenagers and adults of all genders. The condition causes a low sex drive or libido. Hypogonadism is sometimes called gonad deficiency.

Testicles (testes) in the male reproductive system produce testosterone, the main male hormone. Hypogonadism in men is the result of low testosterone.

Ovaries in the female reproductive system produce estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Women with hypogonadism are often low in estrogen and progesterone.

Two glands in your brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary, send signals to sex glands. These signals tell your body to make sex hormones. When you have hypogonadism, something within the brain or sex glands interferes with hormone production.

Healthcare providers look at the cause to determine if hypogonadism is:

Starting in their late 40s or 50s, everyone has lower amounts of sex hormones. As a result, sex drives decrease. These changes are expected. They arent necessarily a sign of hypogonadism. Younger people who have little to no interest in sex may have hypogonadism.

Conditions and treatments that raise the risk of primary hypogonadism include:

Risk factors for secondary hypogonadism include:

It isnt clear why some people develop hypogonadism. For unknown reasons, a problem with the sex glands or brain affects the bodys production of sex hormones.

Hypogonadism symptoms vary depending on the cause and a persons gender. Teenagers may get a diagnosis of secondary hypogonadism when they dont start puberty on time. For example, teen girls with hypogonadism may not get their periods or develop breasts. Boys might not grow facial hair or have underdeveloped testicles.

Adults may experience a low sex drive (sexual dysfunction), as well as hair loss and hot flashes. Other common complaints include fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Signs of hypogonadism in females include:

Signs of hypogonadism in males include:

Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Women may also have a pelvic exam.

You may get one or more of these tests:

Hypogonadism can cause:

Hypogonadism treatments vary depending on the cause. For primary hypogonadism, hormone replacement therapy can raise hormone levels. Men may have testosterone therapy, while women may have estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy. These treatments come in gels, implants, pills, shots and skin patches. Female hormone therapy may slightly increase a womans risk of uterine (endometrial) cancer, blood clots and strokes.

If a pituitary gland problem like a tumor causes secondary hypogonadism, you may need medication, radiation therapy or surgery.

Primary hypogonadism can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. If you stop hormone replacement therapy, hormone levels can plummet, causing symptoms to return.

If a treatable condition like a pituitary gland tumor causes hypogonadism, hormone levels should return to normal after your healthcare provider treats the tumor.

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Low sex hormone levels can negatively affect your physical and mental health. Teenagers may be self-conscious about their underdeveloped appearance. Many adults experience some disinterest in sex as they get older. But a sudden drop or complete halt to any sexual desire may indicate hypogonadism. Dont be embarrassed to tell your healthcare provider whats going on (or not going on) in the bedroom. Treatments can get hormone levels back in the normal range.

Visit link:
Low Sex Drive (Hypogonadism): Symptoms, Treatment

Comments are closed.