Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for exercising essential functions within the body of a man. Its presence is necessary during the formation of the characteristics of this sex, in addition to participating in sexual reproduction since its company will initiate the formation and maturation of sperm, ideal for fertilization. In addition to this, it helps increase muscle mass, an adequate erection, adequate penis growth, and the change of voice in the male. There is a condition in which the production of this hormone is affected, which we will present to you in this FastlyHealarticle on Male Hypogonadism: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What is Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism is a condition present in some men where there is insufficient production of testosterone, the male hormone. It considerably influences the quality of life of a man, especially since testosterone intervenes in the growth and puberty of the male.
Man can be born with this condition, or it can be acquired later, generally from another state, such as an injury, disease, or simply aging.
What causes Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism responds to two causes that can be considered congenital, that is, hereditary or acquired, referring to the fact that they appear due to another condition; however, for both cases, there are two types of Hypogonadism, which can be primary or secondary.
Primary Hypogonadism
The primary cause of this deficiency in the male hormone production is due to an inadequate reception of testosterone by the testicles; that is, they do not respond to stimulation due to a problem in the testicles.
On the other hand, it can also be due to a congenital disorder such as a syndrome with which the man is born, or it can be acquired because of a condition, for example:
- Klinefelter syndrome: In which a congenital abnormality occurs in the sex chromosomes. Generally, the male has an X and a Y chromosome; in this case, there is a Y chromosome but two X, producing an abnormal development of the testicles and therefore an inadequate production of testosterone.
- Mumps: This condition can appear in both adolescence and adults and can affect your testicles, decreasing testosterone production.
- Excess iron in the blood: Also called hemochromatosis, a disorder that can cause failure in the testicles, affecting testosterone production.
- Trauma to the testicles: An injury in this area, significantly when the testicles are already developed, can trigger a deficient production of the hormone.
- Radiation or chemotherapy: These are treatments used for people with cancer. They can interfere with the production of testosterone or sperm generally, they are temporary effects, but in some people, they can cause sterility.
Secondary Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism can also appear as a secondary cause, in which the testicles are normal, without any alteration, but there is a problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary, which belong to the brain and are responsible for sending signals to the body; in this case to the testicles specifically, to stimulate the production of hormones. It can also appear due to certain types of disorders such as:
- Abnormal development of the hypothalamus is called Kallman syndrome.
- Inflammatory diseases.
- VIH .
- Analgesics.
- Obesity.
- Aging.
Symptoms of male Hypogonadism
The symptoms of this condition can begin during the development of puberty and until the male is close to maturity. First, a delay in the development of the male will be observed, followed by an enlargement in the breasts called gynecomastia, alteration in his sexual development, and small size of testicles. These are some of the symptoms in the man who begins his puberty. When the male begins adult life, he will have a series of manifestations such as:
- Erectile dysfunction .
- Depression.
- Sterility.
- The decreased growth of body hair.
- Gynecomastia .
- Bone loss
- Decreased libido
- Little sperm.
- Low muscle mass.
Treatment for Hypogonadism
The most recommended treatment for this condition begins with testosterone replacement therapy; thus, it will be administered through an injection, a gel, or a transdermal patch.
Treatment of other symptoms such as depression or loss of muscle mass and other signs should also be considered before prescribing other treatment options. The treating physician, usually an endocrinologist, will dictate the procedure to follow.
If you have infertility caused by a primary cause, it will not respond adequately to hormone therapy. There is the option of microsurgical techniques to fertilize an egg to solve this problem. If it is due to side effects, replacement therapy with gonadotropins will be used to recover fertility.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Male Hypogonadism: causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.