Male hypogonadism

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 (Spermatozoa), or both. You may be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life from injury or infection.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms depend on when hypogonadism develops and how much testosterone is present.

Before birth

If the body doesn't produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when hypogonadism develops and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with:

• Female genitals
• Ambiguous genitals — genitals that are neither clearly male nor clearly female
• Underdeveloped male genitals

During puberty

Male hypogonadism may delay puberty or cause incomplete or lack of normal development. It can cause:

• Decreased development of muscle mass
• Lack of deepening of the voice
• Impaired growth of body hair
• Impaired growth of the penis and testicles
• Excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body
• Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

In adult males

In adult males, hypogonadism may alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Decrease in beard and body hair growth
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
• Loss of bone mass (Osteoporosis)

Causes

Male hypogonadism can be caused by a testicular disorder or a pituitary disorder.

Testicular disorder

This may occur as a result of:

• Klinefelter syndrome
• Undescended testicles
• Mumps orchitis
• Hemochromatosis
• Injury to the testicles
• Cancer treatment

Pituitary disorder

Certain conditions can interfere with the function of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This can result in low or absent testosterone.

Treatment

Treatment for male hypogonadism depends on the cause and whether you're concerned about fertility.

Hormone replacement

For hypogonadism caused by testicular failure, doctors use male hormone replacement (Androgen replacement therapy). This can restore sexual function and muscle strength and prevent bone loss.

Assisted reproduction

In some cases, sperm can still be produced but not released in the semen. In this case, fertility specialists can collect sperm directly from the testicles for artificial insemination.

See also

• Testosterone
• Spermatozoa
• Osteoporosis
• Androgen replacement therapy

Male hypogonadism Resources
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