Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism occurs when your sex glands produce little or no sex hormones. The sex glands, also called gonads, are primarily the testes in men and the ovaries in women. Sex hormones help control secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development in women, testicular development in men, and pubic hair growth. Sex hormones also play a role in the menstrual cycle and sperm production. Hypogonadism may also be known as gonad deficiency. It may be called low serum testosterone or andropause when it happens in males. Most cases of this condition respond well to appropriate medical treatment. Your doctor may order more blood tests to help confirm a diagnosis and rule out any underlying causes. Iron levels can affect your sex hormones. For this reason, your doctor may check for high blood iron levels, typically seen in hemochromatosis. Your doctor may also wish to measure your prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that promotes breast development and breast milk production in women, but it’s present in both genders. Your doctor may also check your thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to hypogonadism.