What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism occurs when your sex glands produce little or no sex hormones. The sex glands, also called gonads, are the testes in men and the ovaries in women. Sex hormones help control sex characteristics, such as breast and testicle development, and pubic hair growth. Sex hormones also play a role in menstrual cycles and sperm production.

Hypogonadism may also be called gonad deficiency. In males, it may be called low serum testosterone or andropause.

Most cases of this disorder can be successfully treated.

9 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

There are two types of hypogonadism: primary and central hypogonadism.

Primary hypogonadism means that you do not have enough sex hormones in your body due to a problem in the gonads. The gonads are still receiving the message to produce hormones from the brain, but are not able to produce them.

In central hypogonadism, the problem lies in the brain. Here the hypothalamus and pituitary glandwhich control the gonadsare not working properly.

Causes of primary hypogonadism include:

Central hypogonadism may be caused by:

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Hypogonadism: Types, Causes, & Symptoms Healthline