Knowledge Builders

can hypogonadism be treated

by Timothy Mayer III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

In most cases, hypogonadism can be treated effectively with HRT. This treatment consists of taking medications containing the hormone that your body is lacking, such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, or pituitary hormones to replace the ones that the body no longer produces.

Medication

  • (1) Restore sexual function, libido, well-being, and behavior
  • (2) Produce and maintain virilization
  • (3) Optimize bone density and prevent osteoporosis
  • (4) In elderly men, possibly normalize growth hormone levels
  • (5) Potentially affect the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • (6) In cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, restore fertility[13]

Therapy

Hypogonadism: If you are a man see your primary doctor. If you are a woman see a gynecologist. any suggestions on which doctor treats hypogonadism? can hcg be administrated alone to treat secondary hypogonadism? Better w other meds: Hypogonadism means the gonads are not making hormones and gametes ( eggs or sperms).

Nutrition

Treatment

  • Adult men. Male hypogonadism usually is treated with testosterone replacement to return testosterone levels to normal.
  • Types of testosterone replacement therapy. Oral testosterone preparations have not been used for treatment of hypogonadism because they can cause serious liver problems.
  • Treatment of infertility due to hypogonadism. ...
  • Treatment for boys. ...

What is the primary treatment for hypogonadism?

Treatment for hypogonadism depends on the cause of the condition. But the most common form of treatment is hormone replacement therapy, which is used to restore hormone levels to the normal range. For Females: Women with hypogonadism are usually given a combination of estrogen and progesterone.

What kind of Doctor treats hypogonadism?

What is the most used to treat hypogonadism?

Is there any treatment for hypogonadism?

image

Is hypogonadism reversible?

Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which may be associated with anosmia (the Kallmann syndrome) or with a normal sense of smell, is a treatable form of male infertility caused by a congenital defect in the secretion or action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

How serious is hypogonadism?

In adult men, symptoms begin within a few weeks of the onset of testosterone deficiency. Hypogonadism may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, premature death in older men, and Alzheimer's disease.

How long does it take to treat hypogonadism?

Response times can be as long as 1–2 years for the combination, and success is higher in men with testicular volumes >8 cc and later onset of hypogonadism 22.

Can you live with hypogonadism?

For most adults with hypogonadism, the condition is lifelong and treatment is ongoing. The goal is to improve quality of life, sense of well-being, sexual function, and muscle and bone strength. Hormone replacement combined with weight loss, a healthy diet, stopping smoking, and increasing exercise can help.

What happens if hypogonadism is left untreated?

In men, complications of untreated hypogonadism include loss of libido, failure to achieve physical strength, the social implications of failing to go through puberty with peers (if hypogonadism occurs before puberty), and osteoporosis.

What happens if low testosterone goes untreated?

A lack of testosterone can sometimes have long-term, serious effects on the body. In men with very low levels, the bones can become weak, potentially causing a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes people considerably more prone to injury.

Can hypogonadism be cured naturally?

Testosterone production also wanes over time in people who have testes. Natural treatments and lifestyle changes—like monitoring what you eat, using herbal supplements, and changing your exercise routine—have long been used to offset the symptoms of hypogonadism.

Can low testosterone be cured permanently?

Is low testosterone permanent? You don't have to live with the symptoms of low testosterone forever. There are many lifestyle changes and treatment options available to help raise your testosterone levels to normal levels.

Which medicine is best for hypogonadism?

Drugs used to treat Hypogonadism, MaleDrug nameRatingRx/OTCExpand current row for information about AndroGel AndroGel7.4RxGeneric name: testosterone systemic Drug class: androgens and anabolic steroids For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: Prescribing Information73 more rows

How can I regain testosterone?

Here are 8 evidence-based ways to increase testosterone levels naturally.Exercise and Lift Weights. ... Eat Protein, Fat and Carbs. ... Minimize Stress and Cortisol Levels. ... Get Some Sun or Take a Vitamin D Supplement. ... Take Vitamin and Mineral Supplements. ... Get Plenty of Restful, High-Quality Sleep.More items...•

Can a man live with no testosterone?

About 20 percent of the men with normal testosterone levels died during the course of the study, compared with 24.6 percent of men with varying levels and 34.9 percent of those with low levels. Men with low testosterone levels had an 88 percent increase in risk of death compared with those who had normal levels.

What do I do if my boyfriend has low testosterone?

Encourage exercise. Beyond the medical treatments for low testosterone symptoms, Werner is a big believer in the power of exercise. If you can get your partner on the right track or exercise with him, it can really help. “The first step is to begin exercise, even modest exercise, as soon possible,” he says.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Unless the root causes of hypogonadism—hormone deficiencies—are reversed, the condition persists. That said, lifestyle and dietary changes can help manage symptoms or take on associated conditions that lead to hypogonadism. Specific approaches vary somewhat based on sex at birth.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies

There aren’t many OTC approaches to hypogonadism; however, some supplements and medications can help manage the condition. For females, supplements of certain vitamins may help, including: 4

Prescriptions

Since hypogonadism is, at its core, defined by a lack of testosterone in males and estrogen in females, medical management focuses on replacing these levels and spurring their production. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does exactly that for men and premenopausal women with the condition, and there are several forms it takes.

Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures

There are two types of hypogonadism. Primary hypogonadism is caused by disorders in the male testes or female ovaries, and secondary hypogonadism, which arises due to problems with the pituitary gland or surrounding hypothalamus, a brain region at the base of the brain.

A Word From Verywell

In many cases, hypogonadism is a chronic condition, requiring consistent and constant management. No doubt, this disorder—and its complications, such as osteoporosis, infertility, and others—presents unique challenges and severely impacts quality of life.

How is hypogonadism treated?

Hypogonadism is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy ( HRT). However, your course of treatment may differ depending on the exact cause of your condition. The symptoms of hypogonadism often improve significantly with the proper treatment.

What is secondary hypogonadism?

Secondary hypogonadism, also known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, is caused by a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are located in the brain and help regulate various body functions, including the production of sex hormones.

What hormones are needed to replace the hormones that the body no longer produces?

This treatment consists of taking medications containing the hormone that your body is lacking, such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, or pituitary hormones to replace the ones that the body no longer produces.

How to get testosterone out of your body?

Gel. You can rub a clear gel containing testosterone onto the skin of your shoulder, upper arm, or lower abdom en. After applying the gel, you must avoid bathing for several hours so your skin has time to absorb the testosterone properly.

What are the complications of hypogonadism in untreated adult males?

The complications of hypogonadism in untreated adult males include: infertility. erectile dysfunction. osteoporosis. decreased muscle mass and body hair. a low sex drive.

How does testosterone help with sexual drive?

This treatment can: improve sexual drive and function . increase muscle strength. decrease bone loss. raise energy levels and feelings of well-being. In young boys and adolescent males, low doses of testosterone over time can be used to replace naturally occurring testosterone during puberty.

Does testosterone increase liver function?

When used for an extended period, oral testosterone can increase your risk of liver problems , heart disease, and high cholesterol. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts and hormone levels during treatment, and they can make adjustments if necessary. This will help reduce the risks associated with HRT.

Can Hypogonadism Be Treated?

Hypogonadism is usually treated with hormonal replacement therapy in the form of gel, pills or injections.

Hypogonadism Causes

In this condition, testicles or ovaries cannot function well to produce enough testosterone or female hormones as they do not respond to hormonal stimulation. The causes of primary hypogonadism are-

Conclusion

Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body is unable to produce sufficient amount of sex hormones. It can develop at any age due to a number of causes discussed above. This condition can be treated with the hormone replacement therapy as discussed above.

What causes hypogonadism in men?

Common causes of primary hypogonadism include: Klinefelter syndrome. This condition results from a congenital abnormality of the sex chromosomes, X and Y. A male normally has one X and one Y chromosome. In Klinefelter syndrome, two or more X chromosomes are present in addition to one Y chromosome.

What causes hypogonadism in the pituitary gland?

Also, treatment for a brain tumor, such as surgery or radiation therapy , can affect the pituitary gland and cause hypogonadism. Inflammatory disease.

What is the primary testicular failure?

Primary. This type of hypogonadism — also known as primary testicular failure — originates from a problem in the testicles. Secondary. This type of hypogonadism indicates a problem in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland — parts of the brain that signal the testicles to produce testosterone.

What glands control testosterone?

Pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are located within the brain and control hormone production. Male hypogonadism means the testicles don't produce enough of the male sex hormone testosterone. There are two basic types of hypogonadism:

What causes low testosterone levels?

HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS can cause low levels of testosterone by affecting the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the testes.

What is it called when the body doesn't produce enough testosterone?

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty (testosterone) or enough sperm or both.

Why are testicles not functioning properly?

Secondary hypogonadism. In secondary hypogonadism, the testicles are normal but don't function properly due to a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus. A number of conditions can cause secondary hypogonadism, including: Kallmann's syndrome.

How does hypogonadism affect women?

In women with hypogonadism, the ovaries produce low levels of female sex hormones. This affects the functioning of the ovaries and the reproductive system. Symptoms include delayed puberty and a lack of menstruation or irregular menstruation.

What tests are needed to confirm hypogonadism?

If an individual is at risk of or may have hypogonadism, a doctor will take a thorough medical history taken and carry out a physical examination, including blood tests. Two key blood tests must be carried out to confirm the presence of hypogonadism: serum total. free testosterone.

What is the name of the disease that causes the male testes to not produce sperm?

Diagnosis. Male hypogonadism , also known as testosterone deficiency, is a failure of the testes to produce the male sex hormone testosterone, sperm, or both. It can be due to a testicular disorder or the result of a disease process involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

What are the causes of secondary hypogonadism?

Situations that can cause secondary hypogonadism include: malnutrition. systemic illness. stress.

What is the term for the decline in testosterone levels?

morbid obesity. Andropause is sometimes used to describe decreased testosterone due to the normal aging process. Testosterone levels in males increase until the age of 17 years. Then, starting at approximately 40 years of age, testosterone levels begin to decline at 1.2-2 percent per year.

Why do my testicles not respond to hormones?

In primary hypogonadism, the testicles do not respond to hormone stimulation. This can be due to a congenital disorder such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, or acquired as a result of radiation treatment, chemotherapy, mumps, tumors or trauma to the testes.

Is TRT contraindicated for men?

This will include regular blood tests and periodic digital rectal exams. TRT is contraindicated in men with erythrocytosis, a condition involving a high volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood.

Share this article

Hypogonadism in men results from a systemic shortage of the primary male hormone, testosterone. It can definitely be treated by hormone replacement therapy. To understand how this shortage of testosterone occurs, you must first learn a little more about the function of the body’s master gland, the pituitary.

Treatment of Hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism treatment is often focused on the pituitary. If it can be corrected, then it should begin to once again signal the testes to produce their own testosterone. If not, then testosterone replacement therapy may be necessary. Secondary hypothyroidism can also be treated with a class of drugs called SERMs.

Testosterone

As men age, particularly around the age of 40 or so, testosterone levels begin to steadily decline. This condition is sometimes called andropause, or more commonly, Low T. Low T is a normal part of aging and should not be confused with hypogonadism. For both hypogonadism and Low T, however, testosterone replacement therapy may be appropriate.

Tests

When hypogonadism is suspected, your physician will order some tests to determine exactly what is causing the problem. This may include blood tests for iron, testosterone and prolactin levels and to check for anemia. Expect a sperm count and thyroid function tests.

image

Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment will depend on the type of hypogonadism and is crucial to prevent complications.
Medication

Ovulatory stimulants: Given to both males and females with hypogonadism to stimulate the body to naturally increase hormone levels.

Clomiphene

Therapy

Hormone therapy:Male hypogonadism is treated by testosterone replacement therapy and female hypogonadism by estrogen therapy.

Radiation therapy:Radiation is used to shrink and remove any tumor in the pituitary gland.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Vitamin D rich foods such as tuna, low fat milk, egg yolks, fortified cereals
  • Zinc rich foods such as oysters, shellfish, beans

Foods to avoid:

  • Soy products such as milk, protein,
  • Flax seeds
  • Licorice candy
  • Fast food like burgers

Specialist to consult

Endocrinologist
Specializes in the function and disorders of the endocrine system of the body.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

  • Early detection in boys can help prevent problems from delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in men offer better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions. Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam and note whether your sexual development, su…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prescriptions

  • Having male hypogonadism can affect your self-image and, possibly, your relationships. Talk with your health care provider about how you can reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany these conditions. Many men benefit from psychological or family counseling. Find out if there are support groups in your area or online. Support groups put you in touch with other people with si…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures

  • Although you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or other care provider, you might be referred to someone who specializes in the hormone-producing glands (endocrinologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
See more on mayoclinic.org

A Word from Verywell

  • Unless the root causes of hypogonadism—hormone deficiencies—are reversed, the condition persists. That said, lifestyle and dietary changes can help manage symptoms or take on associated conditions that lead to hypogonadism. Specific approaches vary somewhat based on sex at birth.
See more on verywellhealth.com

1.Male hypogonadism - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo …

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354886

15 hours ago Hypogonadism is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, your course of treatment may differ depending on the exact cause of your condition.

2.How Hypogonadism Is Treated - Verywell Health

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-hypogonadism-is-treated-5193304

30 hours ago  · Testosterone replacement is a treatment option for male hypogonadism that seeks to return testosterone to normal levels and counteract symptoms such as decreased …

3.Treatment Options for Hypogonadism - Healthline

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/hypogonadism/hormone-replacement-therapy

24 hours ago  · Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body is unable to produce sufficient amount of sex hormones. It can develop at any age due to a number of causes discussed …

4.Can Hypogonadism Be Treated? - ePainAssist

Url:https://www.epainassist.com/endocrine/can-hypogonadism-be-treated

12 hours ago Testosterone replacement therapy is the primary treatment option for hypogonadism. Ideally, the therapy should provide physiological testosterone levels, typically in the range of 300 to 800 …

5.Male hypogonadism: Symptoms and treatment

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3255409/

32 hours ago You can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or infection. The effects — and what you can do about them — depend on the cause and at what …

6.Male hypogonadism - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354881

32 hours ago  · Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the recommended treatment for male hypogonadism. It is normally given as a topical gel, transdermal patch, or by injection.

7.Male hypogonadism: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307634

8 hours ago  · Hypogonadism in men results from a systemic shortage of the primary male hormone, testosterone. It can definitely be treated by hormone replacement therapy. To …

8.Can Hypogonadism Be Treated by Hormone …

Url:https://vitalforceal.com/uncategorized/can-hypogonadism-be-treated-by-hormone-replacement-therapy-in-men/

20 hours ago "hypogonadism": At age 19, failure to have normal secondary sexual characteristics (genital hair, penile growth, etc.) may be a genetic condition. Get a referral to an endocrinologist for and …

9.Can hypogonadism be treated? is it possible for a 19 year …

Url:https://www.healthtap.com/questions/7145331-can-hypogonadism-be-treated-is-it-possible-for-a-19-year-old-with-no-penile-growth-to-achieve-norma/

11 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9