Male Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism in men means a condition when the body fails to produce enough testosterone for the normal functioning of the body, the development, and the support of masculine features as well as sexual performance. Typically, doctors diagnose hypogonadism when the testosterone levels drop lower than 300 ng/dL.

Hypogonadism can be inborn and develop in adult age due to underlying conditions, diseases, injuries or infections. Besides the clinical blood tests for the testosterone level, the symptoms include fatigue, decreased energy levels, low sexual drive, inability to have strong and long-lasting erections, decreased body hair, significant fat deposits on the hips and legs, depression — to name a few. Unfortunately, the condition cannot be cured completely, however it can be successfully treated to eliminate symptoms and support the high quality of life.

If left untreated, low testosterone (hypogonadism) may lead to erectile dysfunction, infertility, decreased muscle mass, mammal gland tissue (breast) development in men and loss of healthy bone mass (osteoporosis). In severe cases, the condition may manifest itself in mental and emotional changes. The psychological symptoms are similar to those which occur in women during menopause, like difficulty concentrating, hot flashes, emotional swings.

According to statistics, there are about 4–5 million men solely in the US, who suffer from low testosterone. Most of them are undergoing treatment with testosterone replacement therapy.

The risk factors for abnormally low testosterone include HIV/AIDS, aging, obesity, malnutrition, chemotherapy in the past, and hereditary factors.

If you noticed any symptoms of male hypogonadism, it is necessary to schedule a visit to your doctor — as this is the first step to receiving appropriate treatment.