Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the sex hormone testosterone. This can occur in both men and women, but is more commonly diagnosed in men.
Some key things to know about hypogonadism include:
- It is often characterized by low testosterone levels in addition to one or more symptoms like decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, hair loss, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and mood changes.
- There are two main types:
- Primary hypogonadism - This means there is a problem with the testes or ovaries directly, which are the primary sex organs responsible for making testosterone.
- Secondary hypogonadism - This is caused by a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which signal the testes/ovaries to produce testosterone.
- Some common causes include:
- A genetic disorder present at birth
- Infection
- Injury to the testes
- Cancer treatment or removal of the testes
- Normal aging
- Obesity
- Medications
Untreated hypogonadism can significantly impact physical health, mental health, fertility, bone density, and quality of life.
The good news is that the symptoms are often reversible through medical treatment to
raise testosterone levels. Some options may include:
- Testosterone replacement therapy using injections, gels or patches to supplement low T levels
- Medications to stimulate testosterone production
- Lifestyle changes like weight loss through diet and exercise
In summary,
hypogonadism occurs when the sex organs do not produce enough testosterone. It has causes ranging from genetic disorders to lifestyle factors like obesity. Key symptoms include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and loss of muscle mass. Thankfully there are treatment options available to help normalize testosterone levels through the guidance of a medical professional at Harmonize Care. Catching and addressing hypogonadism earlier on can significantly improve one's health and quality of life.