Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. This happens when the testes or ovaries do not function properly due to a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
The symptoms of hypogonadism differ between males and females. Low testosterone levels in men may result in:
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depressed mood
- Reduced muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Loss of body and facial hair
- Low sperm count or infertility
In women,
low estrogen levels caused by hypogonadism can lead to:
- Infrequent/absent periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Difficulty getting pregnant
What causes hypogonadism? There are two main categories - primary and secondary hypogonadism.
- Primary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem in the testes or ovaries themselves. This could be due to genetic disorders, autoimmune conditions, infections, radiation treatment or chemotherapy drugs.
- Secondary hypogonadism happens when the pituitary gland does not signal the gonads properly to produce hormones. Issues with the hypothalamus can also affect this signaling pathway.
If you suspect you may have
low testosterone or
estrogen levels, get your hormone levels tested by your healthcare provider. Blood tests can diagnose hypogonadism.
The great news is there are treatment options available for both men and women with hypogonadism.
At New Beginnings HRT Clinic, we specialize in hormone replacement therapies to help patients regain optimal hormonal balance. Our compassionate doctors create customized treatment plans to target each patient's unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
I hope this overview on
hypogonadism helps explain this complex hormonal disorder. Please let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to chat more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis or treatments for low testosterone or estrogen levels.