Secondary Hypogonadism Treatment

Secondary hypogonadism, also known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, is a condition wherein the testes or ovaries do not function properly due to a malfunctioning hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Treatment is dependent on the sex of the individual and comes in a variety of forms.

Causes

• According to the National Institute of Health, the condition arises when the hypothalamus, which stimulates the pituitary gland to release gonadotropin-releasing hormones, fails to do so. This prevents the pituitary gland from releasing the hormones necessary for sexual development. Other possible causes include pituitary disorders, HIV/AIDS and medications.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hypogonadism can include a distinct lack of common signs of sexual maturity, such as the development of facial hair, a lack of a sense of smell, testicles that fail to develop and delayed sexual maturity.

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, treating male hypogonadism involves replacing the male hormones synthetically, typically through injection, a gel or a patch. According to the National Institute of Health, females typically receive estrogen or progesterone pills. If caused by a problem with the hypothalamus, pills containing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone may be utilized.

Treatment Precautions

• All medical treatments possess the potential for side effects, and you should discuss this with your doctor. One potentially serious side effect of gel-based testosterone replacement is the transferring of the hormone to others via skin-to-skin contact. This can lead to females developing male characteristics so special care should be taken.

Effectiveness

• The efficacy of the treatment is dependent on the severity of the condition and when treatment begins. According to the National Institute of Health, if begun early and if the right hormone treatment is used, puberty can begin normally and the child will develop at a normal age.