Hypogonadism, both primary and secondary, is a type of disorder that involves the malfunctioning of the reproductive system, more specifically hypogonadism. Hypogonadism, depending on gender, affects the testes or the ovaries. Such dysfunction is associated not only with disturbed production of gametes, but also of sex hormones.
Hypogonadismcan take two forms:primary hypogonadismandsecondary hypogonadism . The primary form is associated with direct damage to the gonads, e.g. as a result of a mechanical trauma. In contrast, the secondary form is associated with damage at the level of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. The cause may be cysts, chronic inflammatory processes or tumors.
The parent hormone that supervises the work of the gonads is gonadoliberin. Thanks to it, the pituitary gland produces the hormones FSH and LH. In the case of men, the entire secretion pathway is a constant process and runs evenly, while in women there are abrupt changes in the concentration of these substances.
It is related to the phase of the menstrual cycle. The most common form of hypogonadism is the hypogonadotropic form, where gonadoliberin, the parent hormone, is produced in a reduced amount. The anterior pituitary gland is not stimulated sufficiently then.
Hypogonadism - symptoms
Characteristic symptoms in men are:
- no puberty
- no hair from the armpit or the perineum
- small penis size
- libido reduction
- no voice mutation, slight facial hair
- tall with characteristically long limbs, narrow hips, narrow shoulders often with enlarged mammary glands
Symptoms of hypogonadism in women:
- libido reduction
- menstrual disorders of the type of scanty or amenorrhea
- osteoporosis
- milk leakage from nipples
- endometrial atrophy
- decreased estrogen levels
Hypogonadism - causes
Hormonal failure can be caused by various factors that should be determined in order to initiate effective therapy. It can damage the gonadsnot only in the course of the aforementioned mechanical injuries, but as a consequence of some diseases, such as mumps, tuberculosis.
On the list of causative factors there are tumors, chromosomal disorders. Undoubtedly, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are of great importance for the gonads. The diagnosis of the disease is established on the basis of the assessment of the concentration of hormonal substances. Moreover, morphology and ultrasound examinations are performed.
Hypogonadism treatment
Treatment of hypogonadism involves the substitution of the missing substances, mainly the chorionic gonadotropin, which is to stimulate the gonads. Alternatively, men can be injected with testosterone.
A satisfactory improvement is obtained in a relatively short time. There is not only an increase in libido, therefore an improvement in sexual function, but also an improvement in well-being. In women, it is also recommended to initially administer chorionic gonadotropin, while at a later stage estrogen and progesterone preparations should be supplemented.