WHAT IS MALE HYPOGONADISM?
Written by Dr. Welsh, Article reviewed and edited by Dr. Fine M.D.. Published on April 20th, 2020
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Male Hypogonadism
What is
Hypogonadism? (Gonadal deficiency)
From the Conscious Evolution
Institute
Hypogonadism is any form of hormonal
deficiency that results in diminished production of any of the sexual
hormones. In men, Hypogonadism is the result of underperforming or
non-functional testes. In women, the disorder is the result of
ovaries which are not producing proper estrogen levels. Not all cases
are directly the result of inferior sex organs, and endocrine issues
throughout the body can lead to Hypogonadism as well. Hypogonadism is
caused by any disruption which occurs along the
hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This axis represents a group of
organs intimately related to the production of the sex hormones (as
well as a number of other essential hormones).
The testes and ovaries are the
factories which produce our primary sexual hormones. The pituitary
gland has the capability to send messages from the brain to the sex
organs in order to spur or inhibit production of the sex hormones.
The hypothalamus is the master command of the system. It takes in
various inputs from throughout the body and the rest of the brain and
makes the decision that Testosterone and Estrogen production should
begin. The hypothalamus then sends messages to the pituitary to alert
the sex organs to adjust their rate of production.
Risk factors,
incidence, and causes of Hypogonadism
Diseases related to hypogonadism belong to two
distinct categories. The first category is “primary”
hypogonadism. In this form of hypogonadism, the testes and ovaries
are the source of the disorder, and they are not producing or are not
capable of producing healthy hormone levels. It should be noted that
in many cases, primary hypogonadism does not affect testosterone
levels even if it results in reduced or eliminated sperm production.
Sperm are manufactured in cells known as seminiferous tubules, and
these cells are more sensitive to the damage that results from most
testicular diseases. Testosterone is produced by structures known as
leydig cells, which are more insulated from potential damage.
Below is a list of common causes of primary
hypogonadism:
Surgery: Sometimes, as is the case in
issues such as ovarian and testicular cancer, it is necessary to
remove the sex organs through either oophorectomy or testicle
removal. In these patients, hormone production will cease completely,
and Hormone Replacement Therapy will be necessary in order to
maintain normal Hormone function.
Radiation: Another issue which most
commonly results from cancer therapy is that radiation treatments
render the testicles and ovaries under-functional or non-functional.
Radiation therapy works in cancer patients by irradiating cancer
cells in order to kill them off. The problem with radiation therapy
is that it also targets healthy cells as well. Radiation therapy is
targeted as efficiently as possible in order to minimize damage, but
in most cases at least a certain level of damage to healthy tissues
is unavoidable. Treatment of prostate cancer through radiation, for
example, can damage the prostate, reducing its ability to produce
healthy levels of testosterone.
A research study by researchers at Mercy Medical
Center in Redding California found that prostate cancer patients who
were treated with prostate-bed radiation therapy had total
testosterone levels which averaged 27% less than their cohorts who
underwent alternative forms of therapy.
Injury and Infection: Damage to the
testicles and ovaries as a result of injury and infection can also
result in hypogonadism. A testicular injury such as blunt force
trauma can lead directly to organ breakdown, or issues such as
swelling or testicular torsion can prevent the testicles from getting
proper circulation, thus killing them off or damaging them.
Infections can lead to hypogonadism as well by slowly damaging
important organs and blood pathways. Infection can damage the body in
a similar fashion as radiation, targeting healthy cells and breaking
them down. If the infection is not treated promptly and efficiently,
damage to the testicles or ovaries can be irreversible.
Kidney disease: Chronic Kidney Disease is
another common cause of Hypogonadism. Hypogonadism as a result of
this disease has been associated with decreased bone strength and
osteoporosis in addition to sexual dysfunction and even depression.
Studies have shown that over half of patients who suffer from kidney
disease have below normal levels of endogenous testosterone
production. At this point in scientific study, it is not yet clear
exactly how chronic renal failure leads to low testosterone levels,
but it clearly upsets the fragile hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal
axis. In addition to hypogonadism that occurs directly as a result of
the disease, many of the medicines used to treat the disease hinder
the production of Testosterone as well. Testosterone Hormone
Replacement Therapy has the ability to reverse the effects of
Testosterone Deficiency that occur as a result of renal failure.
Liver disease and hypogonadism: Liver
disease has an adverse effect on Testosterone levels as well. It is
well known in the academic community that long term abuse of alcohol
can cause the body to reduce its ability to produce Testosterone. In
a small subset of cases alcohol abuse can lead to the conversion of
Testosterone into Estrogen as well. Patients who suffer from liver
disease often produce lower levels of Luteinizing hormone.
Luteinizing hormone is a precursor to Testosterone which leads to its
production. Patients who have demonstrably low levels of luteinizing
hormone often need some form of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in
order to preserve healthy function.
Causes of Primary Hypogonadism
There are a number of developmental and genetic
disorders which lead to primary hypogonadism:
Klinefelter’s Syndrome and Hypogonadism
In males, the most common form of genetic primary
hypogonadism is the result of a disorder known as Klinefelter’s
syndrome. Klinefelter’s syndrome is the result of genetic
abnormality in which the male genetic code has an additional X,
resulting in an XXY configuration.
Men who suffer from Klinefelter’s syndrome
produce significantly less testosterone than their normal healthy
male counterparts. This leads to a number of symptoms of
hypogonadism, such as brittle bones, less body hair across the body,
gynecomastia, and other feminized male features. Fertility is also
significantly or entirely affected as well. Testosterone Replacement
Therapy is highly beneficial for children and adults with
Klinefelter’s syndrome because with a mixture of hormone
replacement therapy and active early intervention, these children can
live happy, independent, and normal lives.
Turner Syndrome and Hypogonadism
Turner Syndrome is among the most common genetic
disorders which result in hypogonadism in girls and women. Turner
syndrome is a genetic abnormality which results in either partial or
total absence of the second X chromosome. Turner syndrome leads to a
number of significant negative effects, such as idiopathic short
stature, underdeveloped ovaries and breasts, learning disability, and
a number of other physical abnormalities dependent upon how much of
the second X chromosome is still present and useful.
Although many of the symptoms of Turner Syndrome
are the result of Human Growth Hormone Deficiency (such as idiopathic
short stature), many of the symptoms are primarily the result of
estrogen deficiency. Estrogen Replacement Therapy can be used to
encourage the normal feminine growth of the breasts and strengthen
bones that are weakened without the presence of healthy levels of
estrogen. Although Turner syndrome patients are infertile, Estrogen
Replacement Therapy can also be used in conjunction with In Vitro
Fertilization for a Turner patient to bear a child using donated egg
cells.
Although it is clear from even before birth that
these patients who suffer from genetic disorders will need some level
of Hormone Replacement Therapy, their syndromes produce tangible
representations of the power that Estrogen and Testosterone have on
healthy function, and how they play a significant role in making us
who we really are.
Auto-Immune Deficiency
Auto-Immune Deficiency has been linked to low
Testosterone in males and low Estrogen in females. For this reason,
Hormone Replacement Therapy can be beneficial in order to prevent or
alleviate the symptoms of a number of Auto-Immune Disorders. This
form of deficiency is highly documented in patients who suffer from
the AIDS virus. Evidence shows that Estrogen Replacement Therapy can
help prevent brain damage that can result from the progression of the
AIDS virus. This can prevent forms of dementia that often develop in
late-stage female AIDS patients.
In males, Estrogen production can increase as a
result of the AIDS virus, and this can inhibit the healthy production
of Testosterone. Where Healthy levels of Estrogen are a benefit for
female AIDS patients, in Men it can greatly exacerbate the physical
symptoms of AIDS if the body begins to forfeit Testosterone for
Estrogen. The AIDS virus has been highly correlated with clinically
low levels of endogenous Testosterone in males. Studies have shown
that around 30 percent of AIDs patients suffer from hypogonadism,
which is correlated to elevated body fat, cholesterol, and diminished
muscle mass in these same patients. Testosterone Replacement Therapy
is quickly revealing itself as a hallmark in AIDS therapy.
Central Hypogonadism
Whereas the above forms of hypogonadism are all
associated with primary hypogonadism, there are a number of other
forms of Testosterone and Estrogen Deficiency that are the result of
another form of deficiency known as Central Hypogonadism. Central
Hypogonadism is the result of a dysfunction of the pituitary gland or
the hypothalamus which prevents the testes or ovaries from receiving
the signal to produce primary sex hormones. Central Hypogonadism is
also referred to as Secondary Hypogonadism as well. Causes of
Secondary Hypogonadism include:
Tumors:
Prolactinoma
The tumors which most often lead to Hypogonadism
are prolactinoma and craniopharyngioma. Prolactinoma is a benign
tumor that sometimes develops on the pituitary gland in adult
patients. This form of brain tumor can occur in both men and women,
but is 5 times more likely to occur in female patients. In females,
prolactinomas are usually small in size and do not grow larger over
time. When prolactinoma occurs in male patients, the tumors often
develop to much larger size, and are then known as
macroprolactinomas.
In males, these large tumors often develop late in
adulthood. In both men and women, the symptoms of this disorder are
similar. In females, the breasts become overly tender and begin to
lactate at inappropriate even when one is not nursing. In addition to
this, headache and infertility can occur as a result as well.
Prolactinoma may also induce early menopause. Male patients may
develop gynecomastia, or the development of breasts. Males may be
rendered impotent as a result of the tumor, and both sexes may
struggle with diminished libido as a result of prolactinoma.
There are a number of symptoms that result from
the presence of a tumor within the brain as well, such as fatigue,
vision alterations, and nausea. Hormone Replacement Therapy is an
important treatment that is valid after the prolactinoma has been
treated. Estrogen can exacerbate symptoms related to an existing
prolactinoma, but the tumor can also eventually obstruct proper
Estrogen levels produced by the Ovaries as well. The same course of
therapy also applies to male prolactinoma patients as well. After
prolactinoma has been properly treated, it is vitally important to
restore healthy sex hormone production.
Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngioma is another form of brain tumor
which significantly effects the production of the primary sex
hormones. This type of tumor develops in very close proximity to the
pituitary gland. It is uncommon in adults and normally develops in
childhood between the ages of five and ten years of age. Although the
tumor is benign in form it can lead to significant symptoms which can
disrupt the life of a child and his or her family. The tumor builds
pressure in the brain, has the potential to endanger eyesight, and
also prohibits the proper function of the pituitary gland. Although
craniopharyngioma often effects testosterone and estrogen production
in children, it can also adversely affect overall behaviour and a
host of other mental and biological functions controlled by the
pituitary gland.
Tumor Treatment
Surgery, or a mixture of surgery and radiation
therapy, is generally the best option to eliminate the benign tumor.
Because of the significant hormonal disruption caused by this form of
tumor, after the growth has been excised Total Hormone Replacement
Therapy is required for a period of time after surgery in order to
restore healthy function. Because of the sensitive age at which this
tumor develops, it is important to initiate HGH Hormone Replacement
Therapy as well as Testosterone or Estrogen Replacement Therapy in
order to ensure that proper growth and physical development still
occurs as the pituitary gland recovers from obstruction.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is another cause of
pituitary insufficiency. This medical disorder is the result of
excess iron accumulation in the body as a result of a hereditary
defect which causes the body to absorb dangerous levels of iron from
what would otherwise be a normal diet. Particular organs such as the
liver, pancreas, and heart serve as reservoirs for excess iron
collected through the blood stream, which can lead to damage if
untreated. This iron build up also takes place in the testicles and
the pituitary gland, which can lead to both primary and secondary
forms of hypopituitarism. In patients with damage to the testes or
the pituitary gland, Testosterone Replacement Therapy has been shown
to be an effective means to improve the outcomes for this subset of
patients, increasing bone strength as well as restoring sexual desire
and boosting energy levels.
Radiation and
Surgery
As was described earlier, cancer and
tumor radiation techniques as well as surgical procedures can
sometimes disrupt the body’s ability to produce sufficient levels
of sexual hormones. Whether it be the removal of a pituitary tumor,
or the treatment of a form of brain cancer located near the pituitary
or hypothalamus, these medical techniques can injure or lead to the
destruction of brain tissue that controls the secretion of estrogen
and testosterone. Brain trauma and internal haemorrhaging can create
pressure on the pituitary or hypothalamus which prevent them from
performing their endocrine regulating functions as well. Long term
malnutrition can also induce hypogonadism, because without a proper
diet, the body will not receive all the energy and building blocks
needed to perform all of the functions that keep us healthy and
well-maintained.
Kallman Syndrome
Kallmann syndrome is another
hereditary gene disorder which is a form of secondary hypogonadism.
Kallman syndrome is a disorder that affects both young boys and
girls, preventing them from starting puberty, or in some cases
leading to only a partial completion of adult sexual development. The
defining non-sexual trait of this disorder is that it partially or
completely leads to the absence of a patient’s sense of smell.
Kallmann syndrome primarily affects the hypothalamus and is an
excellent example showing how disruptions to the
hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis can lead to a cascade of hormone
deficiency.
Genetic abnormalities in these
patients prevent the hypothalamus from secreting an important
precursor hormone known as GnRH (Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone),
which leads to direct deficiencies of luteinizing hormone and
follicle stimulating hormone. This pair of deficiencies prevents the
young male testes or female ovaries from getting the hormonal message
to produce testosterone at the beginning of puberty, which can
completely disrupt the normal growth process if not recognized
promptly and treated effectively.
Testosterone and Estrogen Hormone
Replacement Therapy is a primary treatment for this form of
hypogonadism, provided around the time when puberty should begin and
allowing these patients to develop normally into adulthood. Hormone
Replacement Therapy is required for the treatment of this disorder
throughout the lifespan for both sexes in order to maximize the
health outcomes for these patients. It also helps to sustain
fertility throughout adulthood.
Hypogonadism
Symptoms in Children
The primary symptom of hypogonadism
in childhood is an interference with the natural cycle of puberty. In
girls, this means that the breasts will not develop fully and
menstruation will not begin. Body hair will also not develop in a
proper manner. In addition to this, the delay or absence of puberty
will lead to Human Growth Hormone deficiency as well, because
although Human Growth Hormone is the primary actor which induces
growth. Puberty sends the signal to the pituitary to begin pumping
out Human Growth Hormone at a peak capacity.
In young boys, testosterone
deficiency prevents the body from achieving the many monuments of
male puberty. In addition to the spurring of growth which occurs
during puberty in both sexes, males do not develop the enhanced
muscle mass that separates them from their feminine counterpart. In
addition to this, the voice does not deepen and change, and facial
and body hair does not develop properly.
Adult-Onset
Hypogonadism
Male Hypogonadism: Low-T, or
Testosterone Deficiency
Although Adult-Onset Hypogonadism is
not nearly so devastating, there are still significant and
life-altering changes that result. In males, hypogonadism results in
reduced muscle mass as well as fatigue. Body hair and the hair of the
beard thin or stop growing as well. In some cases, without the
correct levels of Testosterone, the underlying estrogen created by
the adrenal glands starts to become more dominant, which can result
in the formation of male breasts, clinically known as gynecomastia.
Hypogonadism also wreaks havoc on the reproductive system as well.
Patients who suffer from low
testosterone have reduced sperm counts as a result. In addition to
this, erectile dysfunction is a major issue in male patients who
suffer from hypogonadism. Male patients suffering from erectile
dysfunction are encouraged to get their testosterone levels evaluated
by a physician, because ED drugs such as Cialis and Viagra only serve
to cure the symptoms of this unfortunate disorder while full
Testosterone Replacement Therapy can create much more beneficial
results in the long term.
Female Hypogonadism Symptoms:
Estrogen Deficiency and Low Testosterone Production
In female patients, hypogonadism
that occurs before menopause is a clinically treatable disorder. Two
symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency are missing periods and a lack of
menstruation. In addition to this, many of the hallmark symptoms of
menopause begin to appear earlier than they should, including hot
flashes and cold sweats. Hot flashes are a direct result of the
female body craving much-needed estrogen, and are one of the primary
warning signs of estrogen deficiency. The hair on both the head and
the body begin to thin and fall out in many cases as a result of
female hypogonadism. Estrogen Deficiency is easily treatable with
Estrogen Replacement Therapy, and can be used as a therapy in order
to alleviate the symptoms of menopause as the female body adjusts to
the changes taking place.
Hypogonadism caused by Tumor
Growth
If Testosterone or Estrogen
Deficiency is the result of a tumor in the brain on or adjacent to
the hypothalamus or the pituitary, there may be symptoms such as
visual blurring or total vision loss that occur as a result of
pressure on the ocular nerve. In addition to this, intracranial
pressure resulting from the tumor will possibly bring about headaches
which may range from minor, yet persistent, all the way to major
migraines. Tumors of this kind also result in general disruptions of
the functions of the hypothalamus and the pituitary. Testosterone and
Estrogen regulation is only one of the many endocrine functions that
these two brain structures serve, so an outside source of disruption
such as a tumor will cause a wide variety of issues in many cases.
Hypogonadism and Anorexia
Individuals who struggle with
anorexia also have major issues with hypogonadism as a result of
their poor diets. Calorie-restricted diets have been scientifically
correlated with Low-T and Estrogen deficiency. Anorexia has also been
linked with osteoporosis and skeletal degradation which results in an
increased incidence of breaks and fractures. Testosterone and
Estrogen are keys to healthy bone maintenance, and when diet
restricts the production of the sex hormones, the bones suffer
significantly as a result. Although most patients who deal with
anorexia are female, the effects of anorexia on the endocrine system
of both males and females is very significant and in some cases can
persist for a long period of time after anorexia is officially
diagnosed and controlled.
How is Hypogonadism
Diagnosed?
There are a number of accurate and effective tests
which can help provide proper diagnosis of both Low Testosterone and
Estrogen. The primary means by which Low
Testosterone is diagnosed is via a test of Total Testosterone. From a
single blood sample, it is possible to reveal the body’s present
Testosterone level. The healthy range for normal testosterone is
between 260 and 1080 nanograms per decilitre. You likely quickly
realize that this is a wide range. This is because what is considered
“normal” declines with age.
A patient in his 40s or 50s likely would
experience many symptoms of testosterone deficiency at 260 ng/dl, but
a patient in his 80s would experience far fewer symptoms. It’s all
relative to age. Another Anti-Aging Specialist provides a useful rule
of thumb when considering healthy Testosterone Levels. At the age of
25, when Testosterone levels are near their peak, a healthy level of
testosterone should be around 700 ng/dl. For every ten years you are
over the age of 25, your optimal level of Testosterone will like be
50 ng/dl lower. At 45 this means your optimal level will be around
600—still far higher than the minimum “normal” of 260 ng/dl.
Healthy Testosterone Levels Vary
These measures of “Healthy” and “Low” Free
Testosterone levels are not to be taken as gospel, however. Patients
of the same age can have a significant level of differentiation among
their healthy testosterone levels. Low-T isn’t all about a hard
number. Some men are optimized to function properly at lower levels
of Testosterone, and the hallmark of Testosterone Deficiency is the
outward display of symptoms.
Women and Testosterone
Women need much less Testosterone than men to be
healthy, but Testosterone secretion by the adrenal glands is still
important for health and sexual maintenance. In women, a healthy
level of Testosterone is somewhere between fifty and seventy ng/dl.
This is significantly lower than what is considered healthy for
males, but it is still necessary to maintain optimum hormone function
in the female body. In women, Low-T is associated with low libido and
hindered sexual function. In addition to sexual disruption, Low-T is
also associated with loss of muscle tone, increased instance of
depression, fatigue, and insulin resistance.
Healthy Estrogen levels in women vary
significantly dependent upon the period of the menstrual cycle she is
in. Estrogen levels are measured indirectly by taking a blood sample
and testing estradiol levels present in the blood stream. In the
initial phase of the cycle, levels of estradiol will be around 30
picograms per millilitre. As the follicle which contains the egg
begins to develop, estradiol levels raise significantly and normal
ranges anywhere from 150-300 pg/ml. By the time that a woman’s
period occurs, estradiol levels drop to around fifty to one hundred
pg/ml. After menopause occurs, estrogen levels in the blood decline
sharply. Normal estradiol levels among postmenopausal women remain
flat around ten mg/dl. Although this level is quite low, there is
still a vital need for the hormone, and women who have estradiol
levels lower than ten pg/ml should consider Estrogen Replacement
Therapy.
Estrogen and the Male Body
Males also have a certain level of Estrogen which
is necessary for proper function. As long as the male body produces
appropriate levels of Testosterone, however, there is not an issue
with low estrogen, because the male body has the capability to
convert excess Testosterone into Estrogen and other female sex
hormones. The primary problem with males regarding estrogen is that
as men age, they begin to produce more Estrogen than they need, which
can lead to emasculating effects as well as elevated adverse health
risks. Normal estrogen for an adult male is similar to that of a
post-menopausal women. Healthy males have somewhere between ten and
fifty pictograms per millilitre of estradiol present in the blood. If
levels are higher than fifty, then a man may need to look into
estrogen blockers to prevent their Testosterone from converting to
readily into female hormones. Elevated estrogen levels in males are
linked to benign prostate growth (clinically referred to as prostatic
hypertrophy), prostate cancer, and gynecomastia.
What is the root cause of
Hypogonadism?
If you test positive for Low Testosterone or
Estrogen Deficiency, the next step is to determine whether your
deficiency is the result of Primary or Secondary Hypogonadism. One of
the means for testing for Secondary Hypogonadism is by testing serum
levels of Luteinizing Hormone. This hormone is vital in both the
proper endocrine function of both males and females. In males,
Luteinizing Hormone is responsible for the stimulation of the Leydig
cells in the testicles.
Luteinizing Hormone and Hypogonadism
These cells are the primary manufacturing centers
for Testosterone in the male body, and Luteinizing Hormone acts as
the intermediary hormone which sends messages from the Pituitary to
the Testes to trigger production. If a male patient suffers from low
levels of Luteinizing hormone, their healthy testicles will not
receive the memo initially sent from the hypothalamus to provide the
body with much-needed Testosterone.
Although in female patients the target destination
of Luteinizing Hormone is different, the general pathway is the same.
In this case, Luteinizing Hormone is an intermediary which sends the
message to initiate ovulation. When it is time to begin ovulating,
the pituitary gland sends a relative flood of Luteinizing hormone to
the ovaries in order to begin this phase of the cycle. If a woman
does not produce adequate levels of Luteinizing hormone, she does not
meet the threshold required to ovulate and she will miss her period
and suffer from the effects of hormone instability.
FSH and Hypogonadism
Follicle Stimulating Hormone is also an important
precursor to both Estrogen production and Testosterone production. As
can be deduced by the name, one of the primary purposes of Follicle
Stimulating Hormone is to encourage the production of ovarian
follicles, one of which will be used to house the egg cell that will
be released from the ovary during menstruation. Follicle Stimulating
Hormone is also necessary in order to develop both egg and sperm
cell, preparing them for their final stage in which they will be
viable for reproduction. Low levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone
represent the same sort of Secondary Hypogonad dysfunction as
Luteinizing hormones, and often, the two hormones are deficient at
the same time.
GnRH and Hypogonadism
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (abbreviated GnRH)
is another hormone which directly correlates with the proper function
of the testes and ovaries. GnRH is the intermediary hormone which the
Hypothalamus uses to direct the Pituitary gland to produce more
Estrogen and Testosterone. GnRH travels to the pituitary via a series
of blood vessels known as the hypophyseal portals. A common way that
this form of Secondary Hypogonadism is diagnosed is via a simple
test. A physician injects GnRH and monitors the patient in order to
observe if their FSH or LH levels elevate to normal as a result. If
FSH and LH levels return to normal, then Testosterone Deficiency or
Estrogen Deficiency is the result of a deficiency of GnRH.
What if it isn’t Hypogonadism?
Blood tests for alternate pathologies that can
produce symptoms similar to Hypogonadism are also conducted. Anemia,
for example, can lead to many physical complications such as chronic
fatigue and weakness that can also be attributed to Hypogonadism.
There are a number of different blood analyses that take place so
that accurate diagnosis of Hypogonadism can occur as well.
Visual Imaging and Hypogonadism
In some cases, if blood testing produces evidence
that there may be some sort of structural malfunction, a sonogram of
the testes or ovaries may be conducted in order to monitor for tumors
and abnormal growths. If blood testing suggests that hypogonadism is
the result of secondary complications in the hypothalamus or
pituitary, then a CT scan or MRI can provide a clear view of
potential brain tumors as well. The key to solving Hypogonadism is to
source the root cause of the endocrine malfunction and treat the
disorder in a way which allows the body to return to a level of
maximum hormonal balance.
Treatment of Hypogonadism
For many forms of hypogonadism, including
Testosterone Deficiency and Estrogen Deficiency, simple Hormone
Replacement Therapy is the most effective course of action. Estrogen
Replacement Therapy is generally provided via pill or patch.
Testosterone HRT, on the other hand, is not effective via pill and is
usually provided by injection, patch, or cream.
For women who have had to undergo hysterectomy, a
combination of Estrogen HRT and Progesterone are generally prescribed
in order to maintain hormonal balance and prevent endometrial cancer.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is highly effective for hypogonadal
women in order to bolster sexual desire and relieve depression as
well.
If hypogonadism is the result of an issue such as
a brain or prostate tumor which is preventing proper endocrine
function, there are a few different options which can be used to
restore proper release of the sexual hormones. In the case of small,
benign tumors such as prolactinoma, there are certain medications
available which can inhibit the abnormal stimulation, thus restoring
normal hormone release.
In the case of larger or obstructive tumors,
surgery is sometimes the best option. Once the tumor has been
surgically removed, it no longer adversely pressures or directly
effects the pituitary, and the gland can return to normal function.
In other cases, radiation therapy can be used to achieve the same
effect. There is always a risk with radiation therapy or surgery,
that complications can arise which damage the pituitary which will
result in a need for Estrogen or Testosterone Hormone Replacement
Therapy in order to sustain normal function after the surgery, but
these techniques are only used with the risk of having the tumor
outweigh the risks of having it removed or destroyed.
HGH and Testosterone Hormone
Replacement Therapy HRT
For patients who suffer from severe or total
hypogonadism, Hormone Replacement Injections or Medications may be
required to stimulate the normal functions of the reproductive
system, such as sperm production and ovulation. In conjuction with
any form of Hormone Repalcement Therapy, steps will be taken to
enhance the effectiveness of treatment through nutritional and
general health maintenance as well.
Hypogonadism in most cases is simple to treat with
Hormone Replacement Therapy and for those who suffer from Adult-onset
Hypogonadism, with proper Hormone Replacement, life will continue
normally with few to no issues that result from therapy.
Symptoms of Hypogonadism in Adults
Symptoms of Female Hypogonadism
In females, Adult-onset hypogonadism can lead to
infertility. In addition to this, it can lead to hot flashes and cold
sweats which are symptoms of Estrogen withdrawal. Mood changes can
also result from Estrogen Deficiency as well, as the hormone plays a
significant role in female mood stability. Sexual issues can result
from female hypogonadism as well. Libido can erode or even disappear
completely. Also, sexual ability can be hampered as well.
Female adult-onset hypogonadism can lead to
vaginal dryness and pain during sexual activity. Bone health is
adversely affected as well, as estrogen and testosterone play a role
in calcium maintenance in the bones. Osteoporosis is one of the most
common symptoms of estrogen deficiency. Low Estrogen levels also
increase the risk of heart disease in women. It should be noted that,
unlike men, women go through severe hypogonadism as a result of the
physiological process of menopause.
Although the symptoms and treatments are similar,
menopause is not considered pathological. Adult-onset hypogonadism in
females is a diagnosable disorder which can mimic many of the
negative aspects of menopause. Estrogen Replacement Therapy is
particularly popular among women who experience menopause at an early
age, which is clinically referred to as premature ovarian failure.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy after menopause is a valid form of
Anti-Aging Therapy which decreases the risk for heart disease and
osteoporosis while increasing libido, sexual ability, and overall
well-being. It also provides many other benefits as well.
Women who have a significant family history or
genetic predisposition toward heart disease and breast cancer should
consider the risk of Estrogen Replacement Therapy before making the
decision to start treatment, because there is a slight but
significant increase in the chance that these medical issues arise
when taking Estrogen HRT.
Symptoms of Male Hypogonadism
In males, a number of symptoms arise
from Adult-onset hypogonadism. Although men do not go through a
change as significant as menopause as a result of the aging process,
Testosterone levels do begin to decline at a marked rate after the
age of thirty. Testosterone Deficiency can lead to loss of libido and
infertility. Testosterone production is highly correlated with sperm
production, and if the male body is not receiving enough
Testosterone, then it can become harder to conceive.
Testosterone deficiency also leads
to erectile dysfunction and impotence, because Testosterone is the
key factor in the cascade of physiological reactions which lead to
and sustain an erection. As with women, the primary sexual hormone
also plays a major role in bone health, and prevents the onset of
osteoporosis. In males, Testosterone also plays a central role in
muscle health, because Testosterone is the key difference between
males and females which leads to the formation of enhanced muscle
size and strength.
Mood instability and depression can
also result from Testosterone Deficiency as well. Extreme
Testosterone Deficiency in males is linked to a certain level of
feminization which is most frequently characterized by the
development of the breast tissue, clinically known as gynecomastia.
Prevention of Hypogonadism
In many cases, such as with tumors, there is
no way to prevent Hypogonadism. It can only be treated as symptoms
arise. Visit your doctor for regular check-ups in order to catch
these disorders as they arise so that they can be treated before
wreaking significant havoc upon the endocrine system. Initiate
Hormone Replacement Therapy as soon as possible after the hormone
disruption is alleviated or diagnosed in order to minimize the
effects of Short Term or Permanent Hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism which is the result of the natural
hormonal decline of aging can be slowed with healthy and
conscientious living. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking can lead
to Premature Aging which is directly correlated with a hormonal
decline. Healthy hormone production is also dependent upon a healthy
and nutritious diet. The building blocks of proteins are all
contained within the foods we eat and the vitamins and minerals
contained within.
Also, obesity and overeating can greatly hinder
natural Testosterone levels. Fat cells have the ability to convert
Testosterone into estrogen and estrogen derivatives, and the more
obese a man is, the greater level of Testosterone his body converts
into estrogen. In patients receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy with
Testosterone or Estrogen, the benefits provided by therapy are
amplified by living a healthy lifestyle.
The Conscious
Evolution Institute: Professionals in the Field of Hormone
Replacement Therapy
Our staff at the Conscious Evolution
Institute is clinically trained and board certified in Hormone
Replacement Therapy. Our qualified staff of Physicians and
Specialists have years of experience in diagnosing and treating mild
to severe Adult-onset Hypogonadism in both men and women.
We provide full remote diagnostic
services and have the capability to provide and deliver prescriptions
to patients anywhere in the United States. We have affiliates in your
area which can aid us in proper diagnosis, and if you qualify, we can
have high quality Testosterone or Estrogen Replacement Therapy
delivered right to your doorstep via overnight FedEx shipping.
In addition to providing treatment
for Hypogonadism via Estrogen and Testosterone HRT, we provide many
other Hormone Solutions such as HGH and Sermorelin Acetate Therapy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy isn’t for everyone and some patients
respond more vigorously than others, but we feel that if you make the
decision to contact us, you’ll never regret it!
We’ve
changed the lives of thousands of men and women across the country
for the better, and we want you to be next! Call or contact the
Conscious Evolution Institute today.
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