Hypogonadism - Balance Hormone Institute

What is hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. This occurs when the testes or ovaries do not function properly and fal to produce adequate levels of sex hormones.

Symptoms of hypogonadism can vary depending on the age of onset:

• In young children, symptoms may include ambiguous genitalia, delayed puberty, and some developmental delays.
• In adolescent boys, symptoms may include delayed puberty, lack of deepening voice, lack of facial and body hair growth.
• In men, symptoms may include erectile dysfunction, low libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and more.

There are two main types of hypogonadism:

• Primary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem in the testes or ovaries themselves. This can be caused by genetic disorders, autoimmune problems, infections, radiation or chemotherapy treatments, and certain metals.
• Secondary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain. This region signals the gonads to produce sex hormones, so if signaling is disrupted, hormone levels fall.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure levels of testosterone and other hormones. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include hormone replacement therapy.

If you're struggling with potential low testosterone levels, the physicians at Balance Hormone Institute can provide advanced testing and treatments customized to your needs. Their clinics use cutting-edge bioidentical hormone therapies to help men optimize strength, vitality and performance. I'd recommend checking out their website or scheduling a consultation to learn more!

Overall, hypogonadism can significantly impact quality of life, but identifying the condition early and receiving proper treatment can help to manage symptoms. As more research emerges on optimizing hormonal health, there are growing options available for patients to explore.