Hypogonadism: Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hypogonadism is a hormone disorder that both men and women can experience. This can cause various conditions, such as menstrual disorders, and also cause impotence in men. To learn more about hypogonadism, look at the following review!

What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism occurs when the sex glands produce little or no sex hormones. These glands are called gonads, the testes in men and ovaries in women.

The function of these sex glands is to help control female characteristics such as breasts, testicular development in men, and pubic hair growth. Other than that, this hormone also plays a role in the menstrual cycle and sperm production.

Hypogonadism is a gonadal deficiency, low testosterone, and andropause in men. In short, hypogonadism causes decreased sex drive and low libido. However, you don’t need to worry, as most cases of hypogonadism respond well if handled with appropriate medical treatment.

Types of Hypogonadism

Below are 2 types of hypogonadism that you need to know: primary and secondary.

1. Primary Hypogonadism

The first type is primary hypogonadism, which is caused by disorders of the testes and ovaries. An autoimmune disease, such as Addison’s, can cause this condition.

2. Secondary Hypogonadism

The next type is secondary hypogonadism, caused by disorders of the hypothalamus (the area of ​​the brain that controls gonadal production). Factors that can cause hypogonadism are malnutrition, radiation, surgery, tumors, and HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms of Hypogonadism

The following are the symptoms of hypogonadism that women, namely can experience:

• Rarely menstruating
• Slow or absent breast growth
• body hair loss
• Low or no sex libido
• Milk discharge from the breast

Symptoms that men can experience include:

• Body hair loss
• Muscle loss
• Reduced growth of penis and testes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Difficult to concentrate
• Fatigue
• Low sex drive

Hypogonadism Treatment

To treat male and female hypogonadism, treatment can include several ways as follows;

1. Testosterone Therapy

If men experience hypogonadism due to testicular failure, the treatment that can be done is testosterone therapy. There are several benefits of this therapy, as described below details;

• Improve sexual drive and function
• Muscle strength
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis
• Increase energy level
• Increase muscle mass
• Increases facial and pubic hair growth for teenage boys

Not only beneficial for men, but testosterone therapy is also beneficial for women who have decreased libido.

2. Gel

Next is to use a gel containing testosterone on the skin of the shoulders, upper arms, and lower abdomen.

Once you’ve applied the gel, ensure you don’t shower first so your skin can absorb the testosterone.

3. Estrogen and Progesterone

Most of the treatment of female hypogonadism is to increase the number of female sex hormones in the body. The hormones estrogen and progesterone can help women to strengthen bones, increase libido, and to increase cholesterol levels.

4. Skin Patches

Next is to use a skin patch containing testosterone on the body at night. These patches must be changed to another body part every few weeks. Details of the body that can be patched include the upper arms, abdomen, and thighs.

That’s the discussion this time about the meaning, symptoms, and treatment of hypogonadism. If you experience some of the symptoms of hypogonadism as above, immediately consult a doctor for further diagnosis. Hope it’s helpful!