Hypogonadism Syndrome

Hypogonadism is a condition in which the sex organs produce little or no hormones. In men, the testes do not produce enough testosterone. In women, the ovaries do not produce enough estrogen. The condition can be primary, when the ovaries and testes do not function properly, or central, when the parts of the brain that control the sex organs do not function properly. In some cases, hypogonadism can result from a genetic disorder.

Male Symptoms

• Common signs of hypogonadism in men include impotence, a lack of body hair, muscle loss and breast enlargement. Earlier, boys with hypogonadism may be characterized by growth problems and a lack of muscle development and lack of facial hair growth.

Female Symptoms

• Girls who develop hypogonadism during childhood will not begin menstruating and their breasts will not develop. They are also typically shorter than average. If the condition develops after puberty, symptoms include hot flashes, losing body hair, a low sex drive and a cease in menstruation.

Causes

• Hypogonadism has several potential causes. In cases of central hypogonadism, when the brain is not functioning properly, infections, genetic disorders, too much iron, nutritional deficiencies and exposure to radiation may be the cause. Possible causes of primary hypogonadism include liver and kidney disease, genetic disorders, certain autoimmune conditions, infection, surgery and exposure to radiation. The most common genetic cause of hypogonadism in men is Klinefelter syndrome; in women it is Turner syndrome.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of hypogonadism typically starts with a test to check a patient's hormone levels---estrogen in women and testosterone in men. Additional tests may be done to check the level of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, which stimulate the production of sex hormones. Doctors may also order tests to determine thyroid function and see if there is a deficiency or excess of certain nutrients in the body. In some cases, medical imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be performed as well.

Treatment

• Most cases of hypogonadism are treatable, typically with hormone therapy. Women can be given estrogen in a pill taken orally or they can wear a patch. Testosterone can be given to men in many forms, including injections, patches and gels. In some cases, particularly women who still have a uterus, estrogen and progesterone will both be given to decrease the odds of developing endometrial cancer. Testosterone can also be given to women with a low sex drive.