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Male hypogonadism refers to a lack of function of the gonads. Basically, this term is used when the testes produce little or no hormones. When being tested for hypogonadism, your testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels will be evaluated. Most forms of hypogonadism are treatable.
Male hypogonadism can affect growth and development during puberty. Hypogonadism can be caused by infection or injury. You can also just be born with it. The treatment can depend on when you started being affected by hypogonadism. Males born with hypogonadism can have underdeveloped sex organs and treatment options may be limited. If hypogonadism was developed at puberty, other symptoms may be observed. Symptoms can include reduced muscle development, sparse or no beard growth, development of breast tissue and/or a lack of voice deepening. If onset occurs as an adult, symptoms would include erectile dysfunction, decrease in body hair and facial hair growth, increase in body fat, decrease in muscle mass, infertility problems and/or development of breast tissue. Hypogonadism developed during puberty or adulthood is treatable by hormone therapy.
Treatment of male hypogonadism depends on whether or not fertility is an issue. If it is not, then testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended by your doctor. If it is, then talk to an infertility specialist about what treatments can help you increase your chances of increasing your fertility odds.
Male hypergonadism is basically the opposite of hypogonadism. In hypergonadism, there are higher than normal hormone levels present. Like hypogonadism, hypergonadism can occur during puberty, later in life, or you can be born with it. Hypergonadism is very rare. Symptoms include early puberty, acne, excessive muscle mass and mood swings. Breast tissue growth and unusual body hair growth are other signs of hypergonadism.
The treatment of hypergonadism is more difficult than treating hypogonadism and you should seek the help of an endocrinologist when treating it. It is more difficult to lower hormone levels than to increase them, so getting all of the hormones to the correct levels can be a more intensive process.
Hormone therapies are common when treating male hypogonadism and hypergonadism. If fertility is a concern, then you should consult a reproductive endocrinologist before proceeding with any type of hormone therapy. An infertility specialist, or reproductive endocrinologist, can help you determine the best course of action for your infertility treatment.
