Male Hypogonadism: Types, Causes and Treatment

Male hypogonadism is clinical condition of insufficient male hormone i.e. testosterone in blood circulation of men.

Testosterone is hormone secreted by testes under the influence of pituitary gland. Testosterone hormone is responsible for sexual development of boys when they enter adulthood. This hormone is also responsible for male type physical development, sexual health and male fertility. 

Symptoms of Male Hypogonadism 

Symptoms of male hypogonadism depend on the age when this problem occurs. Hypogonadism early in childhood causes late or poor development of male genitalia, moustaches and beard, and sexual dysfunction. Adults with hypogonadism can have specific symptoms like very low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, infertility and loss of beard and moustaches. 

Non-specific symptoms of testosterone deficiency are feeling tired and fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, poor muscle strength, weak bones which can break easily etc. 

Causes of Hypogonadism

Low testosterone can be due to defects either in pituitary gland or testes. Diseases of pituitary gland which can cause testosterone deficiency are genetic disorders, tumours, infections, head injury, brain surgery/radiation etc. 

Similarly, genetic disorders of testes, tumours, trauma, infections of testes also can cause testosterone deficiency. 

Also, many other systemic illness and many drugs can cause hypogonadism. Diagnosis simple blood tests are enough to diagnose low testosterone. Depending on it's cause imaging tests like MRI scan of pituitary gland or ultrasound scan of testes may be required. Patients should also be investigated for other hormonal problems which can coexist with testosterone deficiency. 

Treatment 

Treatment of hypogonadism with testosterone replacement improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction, poor muscle strength, fatigue, weak bones etc. Testosterone is available in the form of injection and gel. 

Infertility, if caused by pituitary diseases, can be treated with injection of HCG with FSH. Infertility, if caused, by testicular diseases can be treated with artificial reproductive techniques. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an endocrinologist.