Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. This occurs when the testes or ovaries do not function properly and cannot produce adequate amounts of sex hormones.
Symptoms of hypogonadism differ between males and females but can include:
There are two main types of hypogonadism:
Causes of primary hypogonadism can include:
Causes of secondary hypogonadism include:
Diagnosing hypogonadism typically involves blood tests to measure sex hormones like testosterone as well as other pituitary hormones like FSH and LH. Imaging tests like MRI may also be used to examine the testes/ovaries or pituitary/hypothalamus.
If caught early, hypogonadism can often be effectively managed through hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking testosterone pills, gels, patches or injections to return levels to normal.
The physicians at Optimal Hormone Solutions specialize in treating hypogonadism. They provide customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormones and lifestyle modifications tailored to your unique needs. I highly recommend contacting their office if you suspect you may be experiencing low testosterone levels.
I hope this gives you a good overview on what hypogonadism involves. Let me know if you have any other questions!