How do I Treat a Condition Called Hypogonadism?

Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that causes the body to not produce enough testosterone. You can be born with the condition or it can develop later as a result of an injury or infection. Once diagnosed, hypogonadism can be treated with hormone replacement therapy to help restore hair growth, decrease breast tissue and help the male go through puberty and lead a normal sex life. While hypogonadism can be treated, there is no treatment for the possible infertility the condition may cause.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor if you observe symptoms of hypogonadism. Common symptoms in a newborn include underdeveloped male genitals or ambiguous genitals. Symptoms in a pubescent aged boy include decreased muscle mass development, voice does not deepen, little to no body hair growth, little to no penis and testicle growth and/or development of breast tissue. Symptoms in an adult male include erectile dysfunction, infertility, decrease in body hair growth, loss of muscle mass and breast or breast tissue development.

• 2

  Undergo medical tests to determine the diagnosis. Hypogonadism can be diagnosed based on the test results from hormone testing, semen analysis, pituitary imaging and a testicular biopsy.

• 3

  Begin testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can be given in the form of injections, patches, a gel, orally or gum and cheek. All of the treatments help the testosterone level in the male return to normal levels, which helps in normal development. It can help an infant achieve normal penis and testicle growth, and a pre-pubescent child reach and go through puberty. It will provide normal hair growth, decrease in breast tissue, penis and testicle growth and a normal sex life for adults.

• 4

  Keep all follow up appointments with your doctor. The doctor will schedule follow up appointments and require blood to be drawn so the testosterone levels can be monitored and adjusted as needed. It is important to follow up because if the levels are not proper, the TRT may be ineffective.