What is hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. This can happen because of a problem with the testes or with the pituitary gland that controls the testes.
Some key facts about hypogonadism:
- It's also called testosterone deficiency syndrome or low testosterone.
- It affects 4-5 million men in the U.S.
- Symptoms include fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, etc.
- Causes include Klinefelter syndrome, injuries/infections, medications, obesity, ageing.
- It can be primary (testes problem) or secondary (pituitary problem).
- Diagnosis is through blood tests for testosterone.
- It's treated with testosterone replacement therapy - gels, patches, injections, pellets.
Some common signs and symptoms of hypogonadism include:
- Low libido and erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and low energy
- Depression and irritability
- Loss of body hair and decreased muscle mass
- Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
Causes and risk factors for hypogonadism include:
- Klinefelter syndrome (extra X chromosome)
- Injury/infection/tumors of the testes
- Medications - steroids, opioids, HIV treatment
- Chronic illnesses - kidney failure, liver cirrhosis
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Normal ageing - testosterone levels decline with age
- Genetic disorders - e.g. hemochromatosis
Diagnosis involves checking testosterone levels in the blood. Levels below 300 ng/dL are considered low.
Treatment is with testosterone replacement therapy:
- Gels - applied daily to shoulders/arms
- Patches - worn on arm/back and changed daily
- Injections/shots - into muscle every 2-3 weeks
- Pellets - implanted under the skin every 3-6 months
Treatment aims to raise testosterone levels back to normal and relieve symptoms. Improvements in energy, sexual function, muscle mass, mood, and bone density are usually seen.
Hormone Harmony Clinic provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for hypogonadism and low testosterone. Our experienced physicians offer testosterone replacement therapy using state-of-the-art techniques like weekly injections and 6-month testopel pellets. With clinics across the country, we help men get their strength and vitality back.