Hypogonadism - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Testosterone is often the subject of jokes but an insufficiency of this hormone is no laughing matter. Along with affecting your sex drive, low levels of testosterone can also affect your ability to concentrate on tasks, lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol. Additionally, it can increase your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Here are a few signs that could indicate low levels of testosterone-

1. Decreased Libido: With age, you may experience a lowered libido but a sudden decline in your sex drive could be caused by a lack of testosterone.

2. Erectile Dysfunction: Lowered levels of testosterone in the body can affect the release of nitric oxide necessary for an erection. Men suffering from lowered testosterone levels often find themselves either not able to have an erection or have erections that are not firm enough for intercourse.

3. Fatigue: Feeling tired at the end of a day is normal but men who have lowered testosterone levels may find themselves feeling extremely tired by lunchtime. You may also notice a loss of drive and enthusiasm.

4. Moodiness: Men with low levels of testosterone often become depressed and dejected. They feel less optimistic than normal and become more irritable.

5. Reduced Muscles: Testosterone is linked to muscle building and hence a lowered level of testosterone can be indicated by a reduction in the arm, chest or leg muscles. Men with low testosterone also find it difficult to build muscle mass.

6. Lowered Attention Span: Testosterone is responsible for focus and attention. Hence, trouble concentrating on work and memory problems can be seen as signs of lowered testosterone levels.

7. Development of Breasts: The lack of testosterone can cause an imbalance of oestrogen to testosterone ratio in the body. As the oestrogen levels get higher, men may find themselves growing breast tissue. This condition is also known as gynecomastia.

8. Bone Problems: A lack of testosterone can affect bone density. This may lead to osteoporosis like conditions and joint pains. Men with low testosterone levels are also more prone to injuries.

9. Lowered Semen Production: Testosterone is directly linked to semen production. The lower a man’s testosterone levels, the lesser the amount of semen produced.

10. Hair Loss: Many men experiencing lowered testosterone levels suffer from hair loss on their head and other parts of the body as well.

The good news is that this disorder can be treated. Hence, if you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor at the earliest.

When the reproductive glands produce scant to no hormones like oestrogen or testosterone, then it is known as hypogonadism. These hormones are important for controlling secondary sex characteristics like development of breasts in women and testes in men and growth in pubic hair. Sex hormones are also required for the roles they play in menstrual cycle in women and sperm production in men.

Hypogonadism is curable with the right medicines.

Types of Hypogonadism

1. Primary hypogonadism: In this type, there are not enough sex hormones in your body because of a problem in your gonads (testis or ovary). In primary hypogonadism, the gonads do receive the message from the brain to produce sex hormones but cannot produce them.

2. Central/Secondary hypogonadism: In this type, the brain is wherein the problem lies. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus located in the brain do not work properly.

What causes Hypogonadism

The causes of hypogonadism can be classified according to their types.

In primary hypogonadism, the causes are:

1. Genetic disorders (for example, Turner syndrome in women and Klinefelter syndrome in men)

2. Autoimmune disorders

3. Infection

4. Kidney and Liver disease

5. Radiation

6. Surgery

In central hypogonadism, the causes are:

1. Anorexia nervosa

2. Tumours

3. Bleeding in the pituitary area

4. Trauma

5. Taking certain medicines (for example, glucocorticoids and opiates)

6. Anabolic steroids (alternatives to human testosterone)

7. Surgery

8. Genetic problems (example: Kallmann syndrome- unable to start or complete puberty)

9. Radiation

10. Infections

11. Hemochromatosis (excessive iron)

12. Nutritional deficiencies

Symptoms associated with Hypogonadism

Symptoms of hypogonadism in females include

1. Lack of menstruation

2. Changes in mood and energy

3. Body hair loss

4. Lack of sex drive

5. Milky discharge from breasts

Symptoms of male hypogonadism include

1. Body hair loss

2. Loss in muscles

3. Abnormal growth in breasts

4. Low libido

5. Erectile dysfunction

6. Fatigue

If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure where hair is surgically implanted on the head. You can opt for this procedure, if you suffer from hair loss and bald spots on your head. The surgery comprises of shifting hair follicles from one part of the head to another. Mostly, hair follicles from back of the head are relocated to the balding areas.

The reasons when you can opt for a hair transplant are

1. Involutional alopecia: It is a form of alopecia where the hair growth tends to decrease due to ageing resulting in thinning and shorter hair. The follicles remain in the telogen phase (resting phase) for an extended amount of time. You may opt for a hair transplant surgery to correct this disorder.
2. Male pattern baldness (Androgenic alopecia): Androgenic alopecia is a condition which is characterized by a gradual receding hairline, especially along the temples. This is caused due to the testosterone hormone being converted in to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes shrinking of the hair follicles. If you are affected by male pattern baldness, then you may opt for a hair transplant surgery.
3. Female pattern baldness: Females may also be affected by baldness which is characterized by loss of hair from the top of the head and gradual thinning of hair. It may lead to self-esteem issues; so opting for a hair transplant surgery is recommended.
4. Traction alopecia: This type of hair loss occurs due to exertion of external pressure on the hair which may cause it to fall. If the hair does not grow back then it would result in a bald patch. Thus you may opt for a hair transplant procedure if you suffer from this disorder and experience loss of hair.
5. Trichotillomania: This is a psychological condition where a person pulls out his/her hair. If excessive hair is lost resulting in bald spots, then you may opt for hair transplant surgery. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dermatologist.

Low Testosterone Levels Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction - Here's How To Naturally Boost Your Sex Life

Erectile dysfunction is the mostly consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Inadequate blood flow to the manhood due to weak circulation or narrowing arteries is a cause and low testosterone levels can be the culprit.

Testosterone, also more known as the male sex hormone, has multiple roles in the body for a man. The major function is how your sexual life performs. After your early twenties you will start to lose 1-2% of your testosterone every year.

When testosterone levels decrease, you may see an effect on your emotional state of mind, energy levels, general body strength and vitality.

What are the signs?

It is beneficial to understand the symptoms, so that you can boost levels naturally. Some of the more common symptoms are:

• Loss in early morning erections: Waking with an erection is common for men, but does a lack of morning wood mean erectile dysfunction? If you find you are losing morning erections, then you might have low testosterone levels. It can be the initial symptom noticed in men. Since the levels are higher during the morning, you need to wake up regularly with an erection. If they no longer happen, you should immediately seek help. There are herbal medicines available such as Malaysian ginseng which can increase libido. enhance sexual performance.

• Enhanced body fat: Low testosterone seems to cause weight gain in men and is one of the risk factors for lower than normal levels of hormones. If there is additional weight and in the absence of testosterone, the hormone estrogen takes over. Estrogen is said to be feminizing, thereby can bring about male breasts and excess weight on other parts of the body.

• Muscle mass loss: Maintaining muscle can be a problem as symptoms of low testosterone can also include decreased muscle and strength. Testosterone is required for building and maintaining lean body mass and if levels get decrease too much, then lethargy, and fatigue can develop.

• Lack of libido: Lack of sex drive can result from low testosterone. Low testosterone can reduce your ability to have a fulfilling sex life. Just as low levels of testosterone can restrict erectile function, it can inhibit sex drive too. Testosterone is what sparks a man's sex drive and if levels are low, likely to become less interested in having sex.

So how do you increase levels?

Changing your diet and boosting certain deficiencies may be the natural alternative that may work the best for men in the longer term.

Healthy oils are also good 
Certain fats like virgin coconut oil and olive oil can help to increase testosterone levels. Coconut oil is mainly saturated and these fats are considered the best type for increased testosterone levels.

Zinc can restore your sex life 
Vital nutrients are required and one important minerals by far is zinc. Taking zinc supplements can help increase serum testosterone levels.

Fatty fish for vitamin D 
To keep testosterone pumping, sufficient levels of Vitamin D is required. Excess weight and hormonal imbalances can be a result of a deficiency. Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon, are a great sources of vitamin D.

Avoid: 
1. Too much alcohol damaging effects of too much alcohol consumption as this can affect testosterone levels in the body.

2.Excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates.

3. Too much stress, as this can affect your sex life.

If low testosterone levels is the issue then pills like Viagra may not be the answer on its own. There are many pills, available such as Viagra and Cialis, but these simply mask over the symptoms, and do not resolve the underlying cause of the problem.

Milder erection concerns including softer erections and low libido can often be enhanced with the use of natural remedies.

Hypogonadism in females occurs when your sex glands produce little or no sex hormones.The sex glands, also called gonads that are responsible for ovary formation in females, breast enlargement and in menstrual cycle.

What Are the Types of Female Hypogonadism?
There two types of hypogonadism are primary and central hypogonadism.

Primary Hypogonadism: Primary hypogonadism means that you don't have enough sex hormones in your body due to a problem in your gonads. Your gonads are still receiving the message to produce hormones from your brain, but they aren't able to produce them.

Central Hypogonadism or Secondary Hypogonadism: In central hypogonadism, the problem lies in your brain. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in your brain, which control your gonads, aren't working properly.

Causes of Primary Hypogonadism:

1. Autoimmune disorders, such as Addison's disease and hypoparathyroidism
2. Genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
3. Severe infections
4. Liver and kidney diseases
5. Hemochromatosis, which happens when your body absorbs too much iron
6. Radiation exposure
7. Surgery of your sex organs

Causes of Central or Secondary Hypogonadism include:

1. Genetic disorders, such as Kallmann syndrome (abnormal hypothalamic development)
2. Infections, including HIV and AIDS
3. Pituitary disorders
4. Inflammatory diseases including sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and histiocytosis
5. Obesity
6. Rapid weight loss
7. Nutritional deficiencies
8. Use of steroids or opiates (especially long-term usage)
9. Brain surgery
10. Radiation exposure
11. Injury to your pituitary gland or hypothalamus
12. A tumor in or near your pituitary gland

Symptoms that May Affect Females Include:

1. Lack of menstruation
2. Slow or absent breast growth
3. Hot flashes
4. Loss of body hair
5. Low or absent sex drive
6. Milky discharge from your breasts

Treatment for Hypogonadism in Women: Your treatment will involve increasing the amount of female sex hormones in your body. Your first line of treatment will probably be estrogen therapy if you've had a hysterectomy. Either a patch or pill can administer the supplemental estrogen hormone. Estrogen must be balanced with progesterone, because taking estrogen alone leads to a dangerous build up of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) that can lead to cancer of the uterus. Low-dose testosterone may be added for women with hypogonadism who have a low sex drive.