Remember Me
forgot your password?

Hypogonadism - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Powered by iMedix Search for health information:

e.g.: diabetes, headache, Lipitor etc.

Hypogonadism is a medical term for a defect of the reproductive system which results in lack of function of the gonads (ovaries or testes). Hypogonadism may occur if the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is interrupted at any level. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (primary hypogonadism) results if the gonad does not produce the amount of steroid sufficient to suppress secretion of LH and FSH at normal levels. Hypogonadism resulting from defects of the gonads is traditionally referred to as primary hypogonadism. Examples include Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome. Hypogonadism resulting from hypothalamic or pituitary defects are termed secondary hypogonadism or central hypogonadism (referring to the central nervous system). Hypogonadism can affect men of any age, from fetal development, through puberty and adulthood. Hypogonadism is one of the main causes of male infertility. It is estimated that 13 million men in the United States alone are affected by hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is caused by deficient testosterone secretion by the testes. The two basic types of male hypogonadism are Primary and Secondary.

Hypogonadism Primary, also known as primary testicular failure, originates from an abnormality in the testicles. Hypogonadism may be induced by chronic use of anabolic/androgenic steroids (AAS). The Secondary type of hypogonadism is caused by defects in the pituitary gland connected to the brain that controls hormone production. If chemical messages from the pituitary gland to the testicles aren't sent, impaired testicular function occurs. This condition can be a result from defects in development of the pituitary gland, certain inflammatory diseases, and the use of certain drugs used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Mental and emotional changes can also accompany hypogonadism. As testosterone decreases, some men may experience signs and symptoms similar to those of menopause in women. These may include hot flashes, decreased drive, irritability, depression and fatigue.

Hypogonadism is most often treated by replacement of the appropriate hormones. Gonadotropin or GnRH replacement is offered to the patient when fertility is desired. Oral testosterone is no longer used in the U.S. because it is broken down in the liver and rendered inactive. In boys, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can stimulate puberty and the development of secondary characteristics, such as increased muscle mass, beard and pubic hair growth. Also available is a topical 1% testosterone gel. It is applied once daily to clean, dry skin of the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. Another alternative is testosterone patches. The testosterone may be mixed with the adhesive with a new patch applied daily to a different site; this system leaves a sticky residue but causes little skin irritation. Injections of pituitary hormone may be used to help male patients produce sperm. In others, surgery and radiation therapy may be needed. In adult men, TRT can restore function and muscle strength and prevent bone loss.

Treatment for Hypogonadism Tips

1. Hormone-based medicines are available for men and women.

2. Estrogen comes in the form of a patch or pill.

3. Testosterone can be given by using a patch Injections of pituitary hormone may be used to help male patients produce sperm.

4. Topical 1% testosterone gel. It is applied once daily to clean, dry skin of the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen.

5. Tumors can be treated with surgery and radiotherapy.

6. In boys, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can stimulate puberty and the development of secondary characteristics, such as increased muscle mass, beard and pubic hair growth.

Juliet Cohen

Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and diseases treatment. She also writes articles on health and fitness.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/hypogonadism-definition-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-198675.html
Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Alternative Medicine Articles
  • More from Juliet Cohen

Best Non Prescription HGH

By: Sudhani | 06/07/2009
Best Non Prescription HGH - The best non prescription HGH formulas can help to normalize blood pressure, metabolism, tissue repair, and immune system functions. Studies have also shown that HGH Increases lean muscle mass, Increases skin thickness resulting in wrinkle reduction, helps to restore hair, improves mood, improves sleep, increases sexual function, increases energy levels, and lowers cholesterol.

Losing Your Excess Weight Through an Amazon Acai Berry Weight Loss Plan

By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009
There is an effective fitness program in particular which could work well for almost any type of individual and that would be the acai berry fitness program or weight loss plan. This fitness program incorporates the natural ways of losing weight permanently and safely with the use of acai berry supplements to ensure best results and excellent health.

What Are the Symptoms and Remedies of Oral Thrush?

By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009
Oral thrush is a discomforting occurrence in the mouth. You may have never heard of it, but you are almost certainly aware of it.

Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

By: Ron Wesley | 05/07/2009
Varicose veins (veins that have become enlarged and twisted) can happen to anyone. They occur in the legs and not only look ugly as they grow bigger, but also make movement uncomfortable.

Faster Way Of Recovery By Using The One Minute Cure For Cancer

By: john daniel | 05/07/2009
Faster Way Of Recovery By Using The One Minute Cure For Cancer find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.

The Alternative Cancer Therapy

By: john daniel | 05/07/2009
The Alternative Cancer Therapy find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.

Alternative Cancer Treatment Part 2

By: john daniel | 05/07/2009
Alternative Cancer Treatment Part 2 find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.

Oxygen Therapy And Cancer

By: john daniel | 05/07/2009
Oxygen Therapy And Cancer find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.

Detailed Information on Necrotizing Enterocolitis

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Necrotizing enterocolitis is the death of intestinal tissue. The illness is most common among premature newborns. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) occurs in approximately 25,000 babies per year.

Detailed Information on Measles

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious. Measles is a fatal disease that impacts vulnerable children around the world. Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus (paramyxovirus).

Detailed Information on Mastocytosis

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Mastocytosis is known as Urticaria Pigmentosa (UP). Mastocytosis is a disorder that may occur in both children and adults. Mastocytosis can arise in people of any age.

Detailed Information on Marfan Syndrome

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body.

Detailed Information on Malaria

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, Plasmodium, which infects red blood cells. Infected mosquitoes spread it. People with malaria frequently experience fever, chills, and flu-like disease.

Detailed Information on Malakoplakia

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Malakoplakia is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disorder. Malakoplakia is inflammatory condition which makes its presence known as a papule, plaque or ulceration that generally affects the genitourinary tract.

Detailed Information on Maffucci Syndrome

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Maffucci syndrome is a really rare disorder. Maffucci syndrome is a disorder which affects the skin and skeleton, causing benign cartilage tumors, bone deformities, and dark hemangiomas to grow

Detailed Information on Nelson Syndrome

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Nelson's syndrome is a rare condition. Nelson syndrome is a disorder characterized by abnormal hormone secretion, extension of the pituitary gland (hypophysis), and the development of big and invasive growths known as adenomas.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup


Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.09, 1)