Hypogonadismis when the sex glands (gonads) produce little or no sex hormones.
The treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy.
These organs regulate the production ofestrogenandtestosterone.
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FSH and LH act on the ovaries and testes and trigger the release of estrogen and testosterone.
If either the hypothalamus or pituitary gland is damaged or defective, estrogen and testosterone levels will drop.
The comorbid conditions may be independent of each other or the consequences of the other.
The most common comorbidities of hypogonadism are obesity,throw in 2 diabetes,osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Effects of Hypogonadism and Associated Symptoms
Hypogonadism can cause different symptoms based on your age and sex.
The severity of symptoms corresponds to how low estrogen or testosterone levels are.
In children and adolescents, low estrogen or testosterone levels can affect physical and sexual development, sometimes irreversibly.
These therapies can help minimize or eliminate the symptoms.
While certain causes of hypogonadism can be cured, many others cannot and require long-term treatment.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)treats male hypogonadism.
Side Effects and Risks of TRT
TRT can cause side effects, especially with long-term use.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)is the primary treatment for female hypogonadism.
ERT also helps eases symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Girls with hypogonadism require ERT to initiate and sustain puberty.
This generally starts between the ages of 11 and 12.
Estrogen is started at lower doses to initiate puberty and is gradually increased every few months.
Progesterone may then be added to stimulate the first period.
Side Effects and Risks of ERT
ERT can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe.
More common ones include:
With long-term use, ERT may increase the risk ofbreast cancer, albeit slightly.
Oral estrogen may also increase the risk ofblood clotsandstroke, but again only slightly.
Some of these changes may even help increase testosterone by mitigating the risk factors that contribute to hypogonadism.
See a healthcare provider for persistent symptoms that occur for no known cause.
Symptoms of hypogonadism include erectile dysfunction, enlarged breasts, and a loss of muscle mass in males.
In females, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and irregular periods are common.
Hormone replacement therapy is the first-line treatment (testosterone for males, estrogen for females).
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