Hypogonadism – Lack of Gonadal Hormones

Disorders Cure

oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Monday, December 6, 2010, 15:45

What is hypogonadism?
Lack of gonadal hormones (Testosterone in men and Oestrogen in women) is called Hypogonadism and when this happens due to lack of Pituitary hormone it is called secondary hypogonadism. Normally two Pituitary hormones known as LH and FSH are responsible for stimulating Testes and Ovaries in men and women respectively.

What are the clinical features of lack of hypogonadism?

In Men

Loss of body, facial and pubic hair

Increased breast tissue (gynaecomastia)

Reduced testicular size

Smooth, fine wrinkly skin, especially on the face

In Women

Decrease in size of breast

Lack of pubic and axillary hairs

Absent or irregular period

What are the tests required for hypogonadism?
1.Blood Investigations
* LH, FSH, Prolactin
* Testosterone/ Estradiol

2.Imaging MR scan

What are the treatment options for hypogonadism?

For men - Androgen replacement orally or by injection.

For women - Cyclical estrogen progesterone preparations
Gonadotrophin preparations