BackWhat Is It, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and More

Author: Anna Hernndez, MD

Editors: Alyssa Haag, Emily Miao, PharmD, Kelsey LaFayette, DNP, RN

Illustrator: Jessica Reynolds, MS

Copyeditor: Sadia Zaman, MBBS, BSc

Hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome that occurs when the gonadstestes and ovariesproduce low levels of sex hormones due to a disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

There are two main types of hypogonadism, primary and secondary. Primary hypogonadism is caused by dysfunction of the gonads, and can be acquired or congenital. Acquired causes include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, autoimmunity, trauma to the gonads, and certain infections, like mumps orchitis. On the other hand, congenital causes include genetic disorders, like Klinefelter syndrome or Turner syndrome, both of which affect gonadal function. Regardless of the cause, the result is a decrease or complete absence of sex hormones, which means there is no negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This leads to an overproduction of the LH and FSH gonadotropins, thus giving primary hypogonadism its other name, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.

Signs and symptoms of hypogonadism vary depending on whether hypogonadism occurs before or after puberty. The most common presenting feature of hypogonadism in teenagers is a delay in puberty, which generally occurs when puberty has not started by age 13 in those assigned female at birth and age 14 in those assigned male at birth. Other clinical features of hypogonadism include a high-pitched voice, sparse body hair, poorly developed muscles, small or underdeveloped genitals, and short stature due to delayed epiphyseal closure. Another presenting feature can be primary amenorrhea, which is when an individual hasnt had their first menstruation by the age of 13 to 15.

Diagnosis of hypogonadism begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam, including assessment using the Tanner scale. The Tanner scale, or Tanner stages, consists of a predictable set of steps that individuals go through as they develop primary and secondary sex characteristics and become sexually mature. This scale centers on two, independent criteria: the appearance of pubic hair; and the increase in testicular volume and penile size and length in those assigned male at birth or with breast development in those assigned female at birth.

Treatment of hypogonadism is directed at addressing the underlying cause, when possible. In most cases, hypogonadism can be managed with hormone replacement therapy to ensure the onset and progression of puberty, as well as improve the symptoms of hypogonadism.

Certain cases of hypogonadism are transient and can be reversed, especially if they are a result of a treatable underlying disorder, such as malnutrition, excessive exercise, or stress. In addition, there have been cases of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism that have reversed over time, although the exact reason why is still unknown.

Hypogonadism refers to a clinical syndrome that results in low levels of sex hormones. There are two types of hypogonadism: primary and secondary. Signs and symptoms of hypogonadism depend on the time of onset, and can include delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea, changes in mood and energy, infertility, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. Diagnosis of hypogonadism is based on the clinical manifestations along with lab tests to assess the levels of sex hormones in the body. Treatment involves long-term hormone replacement therapy and fertility treatments, as well as treatment of the underlying cause of hypogonadism, when possible.

Read the original:
Hypogonadism: What Is It, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and More - Osmosis

Comments are closed.