Simply put, the term hypogonadism is a health condition in both males and females that leads to low sex drive. In males, low testosterone level has a role in impaired masculine growth. Likewise, in females, low estrogen levels affect feminine growth and sexual development.
There are two types of hypogonadism entailing – Primary hypogonadism and Secondary hypogonadism. Primary hypogonadism refers to a problem in your gonads (testicles/ovaries); these glands don’t respond to the hormone stimulation. Secondary hypogonadism is a problem with your pituitary gland/hypothalamus. To get treatment of male hypogonadism, see the leading andrologist doctor in Kolkata.
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Hypogonadism can develop during fetal growth. Also, it can affect individuals during puberty or adulthood. This blog shares information about male hypogonadism. Let's have a closer look at the symptoms of this condition:
Signs of Male Hypogonadism During Fetal Development
- Female genitals
- Ambiguous genitalia (not certainly understood whether it’s males or females)
- Genitals that don’t grow properly
Signs of Male Hypogonadism During Puberty
- Delayed maturity of muscle mass
- Underdeveloped testes, penis
- A lack of voice deepening
- Reduced growth of body and facial hair
- Breast development
Signs of Male Hypogonadism During Adulthood
- A lack of energy
- Reduced sex drive
- Impaired growth of muscle mass, body, and facial hair
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fertility issues
- Osteoporosis
- Breasts growth
- Hot flashes
Understanding the Risk Factors for Male Hypogonadism
Below are factors that may increase your risk of hypogonadism:
1) Inflammatory Diseases
Certain health conditions – tuberculosis, histiocytosis, sarcoidosis can result in low testosterone levels, thereby developing your chance of hypogonadism.
2) Age
Older age causes a decline in testosterone levels that may produce sex drive. This slowing down process of the testosterone hormone starts around the age of 30.
3) Obesity
If you’re obese, you may have a higher chance of low testosterone levels as fatty cells break down testosterone to estrogen. Men with this condition may undergo low sex drive due to SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
4) HIV/AIDS
Deficiency in testosterone level with HIV/AIDS can contribute to male hypogonadism/endocrine abnormality.
5) Malnutrition
Proper nutrition has a role in building a healthy body. On the contrary, a lack of nutritional value in your body can create a host of health complaints. Out of which hypogonadism is one.
Knowing the Complications of Male Hypogonadism
Poorly treated hypogonadism may invite tons of complications that include:
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Breasts development
- Osteoporosis
- Abnormal genitalia
Access to early diagnosis of this condition can help prevent complications. Tests that help evaluate the problem include – Blood tests, semen analysis, testicular biopsy, a pituitary imaging test, et al. Make sure that you let your doctor know if you’ve developed any above-mentioned signs. You can consider consulting the best urologist in Kolkata for quality treatment.
In order to keep your testosterone level normal, your urologist/andrologist may go ahead with testosterone replacement therapy. Surgical intervention may require if there’s a pituitary tumour. A few conditions in which your doctor may not recommend testosterone replacement therapy involve – congestive heart failure, prostate enlargement, obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more from your andrologist for safeguarding your health.