Dorothy FarrarHypogonadism
Hypogonadism leads to reduced production of germ cells in both males and females. In most cases, the gonads (e.g. testicles) are directly affected by the disorder. Hypogonadism can be treated with hormone therapy in both men and women .
What is hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism refers to decreased function of the gonads. Gonads are gonads and are responsible for the production of germ cells for human reproduction. These include sperm in men and egg cells in women. In most cases, the medical term hypogonadism refers to an underfunction of the male testicles.
A distinction is made between primary and secondary hypogonadism. The former exclusively affects the gonad, the latter relates to the endocrine gland in the brain. In tertiary hypogonadism, there is usually a disorder in the hypothalamus.
causes
Primary hypogonadism in men is often the result of a chain reaction that begins with reduced production of the hormone testosterone . The reason for this is usually an insufficient number of Leyidig cells in the testicles. But the reasons can be varied.
Many types of trauma , inflammation , and infection can also lead to decreased testosterone production.
Similar causes can also be mentioned in primary female hypogonadism. Inflammation, congenital underdevelopment, or even tumors in the gonads lead to a reduced production of germ cells.
Secondary hypogonadism is caused by damage to the pituitary gland (the gonad in the brain). These can also be caused by inflammation and tumors. Finally, tertiary hypogonadism is caused by an altered hypothalamus. Such a malformation can already be congenital.
When to the doctor?
As a rule, with hypogonadism, there is no self-healing, so this disease definitely needs to be examined and treated by a doctor. This can also avoid complications in the future. A doctor should be consulted if the man is infertile and thus suffers from infertility . In both sexes, hypogonadism can also lead to a regression of the sex organs. If these symptoms occur, a doctor must be consulted in any case.
In children, the disease can manifest itself through a significantly delayed puberty or through a complete absence of puberty. Here, too, a medical examination is necessary in any case in order to prevent further diseases.
As a rule, the diagnosis of this disease is made by a general practitioner. Further treatment is carried out with the help of drugs. If hypogonadism leads to psychological problems, a psychologist can also be consulted. This treatment is especially necessary for children who suffer from bullying or teasing.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of hypogonadism:
Girls with hypogonadism will not menstruate, and the disease will likely affect their body and breast growth. When hypogonadism begins in women after puberty, it causes menstrual cessation, decreased libido, hair loss, and hot flashes.
When boys develop hypogonadism, their muscle growth and beard growth will be restricted, and height will also be affected by the disorder. In men, it can lead to hair loss and beard loss, the mammary glands can enlarge, and the muscles and potency can decrease.
Milk may also leak from enlarged breasts. If a brain tumor is involved in secondary hypogonadism, headache and decreased vision may occur.
Diagnose
Low testosterone levels can be detected with a simple blood test. This test is done in the morning when levels are at their highest and can drop by as much as 13 percent throughout the day. The normal testosterone level is 300-1000 ng/dL. Treatment is usually considered when levels fall below 350 ng/dL.
However, treatment can also be considered if the level is average. This is very dependent on the age of the patient. A blood test is also done in women and the estrogen level is measured. Since clear fluctuations in the hormonal balance are normal in women after the menopause, hypogonadism is no longer assumed after a certain age. However, when levels are particularly low in young women, hypogonadism is suspected.
complications
Hypogonadism leads to a number of different symptoms and complications. In most cases, those affected suffer from infertility. The men are affected by infertility, which can also lead to psychological problems or severe depression . Inferiority complexes or reduced self-esteem can also occur and have a very negative effect on the patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, those affected also suffer from a regression of the sexual organs.
In children, hypogonadism leads to a complete absence of puberty, although in some cases puberty can be delayed. Heart diseases can also occur, which in the worst case can lead to the death of the person concerned. For this reason, treatment is definitely necessary for hypogonadism. During the treatment itself, there are no special complications. With the help of hormones, the symptoms of hypogonadism can be limited relatively well. However, those affected are usually dependent on long-term intake of these hormones.
treatment and therapy
The form in which treatment for hypogonadism is carried out depends primarily on the type of hypogonadism. In most cases, primary hypogonadism in men is treated with hormone therapy, i.e. taking androgens such as testosterone. Accordingly, women are treated with estrogens.
Depending on the form of hypogonadism, this therapy can even be continued for life. The missing hormones can be administered by means of tablets or injections. The degree to which hormones are administered depends on the age and weight of those affected. Secondary hypogonadism, on the other hand, is treated with the gonadotropins. These hormones stimulate the gonads and cause increased germ cell production. This therapy can be particularly helpful for couples who want to have a child.
During therapy, attention should be paid to certain side effects that may occur. Men can develop an elevated hematocrit level in the blood, causing the blood to thicken. Very rarely do men complain of breast growth. There is also an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea – which should be monitored.
prevention
Whether hypogonadism can be prevented depends primarily on the type of hypogonadism. If the disorder is caused, for example, by an inflammation of the male gonads, action should be taken quickly to prevent possible sequelae and prevent long-term hypogonadism.
Secondary hypogonadism can also be triggered by malnutrition. In this case, a healthy diet can prevent the development of such a disorder.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.