Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. This happens when the testes or ovaries do not function properly.
Symptoms of hypogonadism can vary greatly between men and women:
- Decreased sex drive - Erectile dysfunction - Reduced muscle mass and strength - Loss of body and facial hair - Decline in bone mineral density - Fatigue, irritability and depression
- Irregular periods or absence of periods (amenorrhea) - Hot flashes - Vaginal dryness - Difficulty conceiving a child
There are two main categories of hypogonadism with different root causes:
Doctors will diagnose hypogonadism through blood tests measuring your testosterone levels. They may also test other hormones made by pituitary/hypothalamus like FSH and LH.
Imaging tests like MRI scans can also trace the root cause back to pituitary tumors or other structural abnormalities. Your medical history and evaluation of symptoms also play an important role.
If diagnosed with hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy helps restore normal hormone levels improving symptoms. Options include:
At The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic(), our knowledgeable physicians specialize in diagnosing and compassionately treating hypogonadism. We provide cutting-edge testosterone treatments tailored to your unique health needs. Contact us today to take control of your symptoms and start feeling like yourself again!
I hope this overview on hypogonadism gives you a good understanding of this complex hormonal condition. Please ask any other questions below in the comments! I'm happy to provide more details if you have them.