Condition: Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism is a condition where the sexual glands, called gonads (testes in men and the ovaries in women), produce little or no hormones (testosterone in men and oestrogen in women). You may be born with hypogonadism or it can develop later in life as a result of an injury or infection.

There are two types of the condition, primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism:

Primary hypogonadism

Primary hypogonadism is where your gonads (testes in men or ovaries in women) do not work normally so do not produce enough testosterone or oestrogen.

Secondary hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism occurs when the pituitary gland in your brain doesn’t produce the hormones needed to stimulate the gonads to function as they should.

Many people with hypogonadism may not realise they have the condition, and it can often be misdiagnosed as the symptoms it causes can also be associated with other conditions.

Symptoms of hypogonadism in men include:

• Reduced sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction

• Loss of armpit or pubic hair

• Shrinking testicles

• Hot flashes

• Low or zero sperm count

• Low mood or depression, reduced concentration, poor memory

• Increased body fat and breast tissue

• Decrease in endurance, strength and muscle mass

Symptoms of hypogonadism in women include:

• Tender breasts

• Dry skin

• Vagina dryness or atrophy

• Weak or brittle bones (osteoporosis)

• Weight gain, especially in the belly

• Difficulty concentrating, fatigue and trouble sleeping

• Mood changes and irritability

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Irregular or no periods (amenorrhea)

• Headaches before or during menstruation

• Low or no libido and painful intercourse (dyspareunia)

Primary hypogonadism happens when your testes or ovaries stop working normally. This can be caused by:

• Injury to the glands

• Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• Removal of the glands

• Exposure to drugs and chemicals when in the womb

• Genetic conditions including Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome

• Complications of infection including mumps

Secondary hypogonadism occurs when the pituitary gland does not function as it should, impacting the function of the gonads. This can be caused by:

• Pituitary gland disorders, such as a pituitary tumour

• Certain inflammatory diseases, such as sarcoidosis, histiocytosis and tuberculosis

• HIV/AIDS

• Medications including opiates

• A genetic condition called Kallmann syndrome

Risk factors of hypogonadism include ageing, obesity, low body fat or eating disorders, and Type 2 Diabetes.

If you suspect you have hypogonadism, our specialists are here to help. During an initial consultation, one of our consultants will take your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order blood tests, and in some cases imaging scans. The results of these will allow them to accurately diagnose hypogonadism and also identify its cause so that the most appropriate and effective course of treatment can be recommended.

Low levels of sex hormones can cause a multitude of symptoms and can also affect bone strength and psychological wellbeing. Our specialists will perform a detailed individual assessment and advise on the optimal replacement of these hormones to restore full health.

For men with hypogonadism, hormone therapy may be given via testosterone injection, gels, patches, pellets (implanted under the skin), or buccal tablets (sticky pills applied to the gums).

For women with hypogonadism, hormone replacement may be given in the form of oestrogen which is combined with progesterone if the uterus is present via patches, pills, gels, creams, sprays, and injections.