Hypogonadism.docx

Hypogonadism????Hypogonadism occurs when the bodys sex glands produce little or no hormones. In men, these glands (gonads) are the testes. In women, these glands are the ovaries.CausesThe cause of hypogonadism can be primary or central. In primary hypogonadism, the ovaries or testes themselves do not function properly. Causes of primary hypogonadism include:Certain?autoimmune disordersGenetic and developmental disordersInfectionLiver and kidney diseaseRadiationSurgeryThe most common genetic disorders that cause primary hypogonadism are?Turner syndrome?(in women) and?Klinefelter syndrome?(in men).If you already have other autoimmune disorders you may be at higher risk of autoimmune damage to the gonads. These can include disorders that affect the liver and adrenal and thyroid glands as well as type 1 diabetes.In central hypogonadism, the centers in the brain that control the gonads (hypothalamus and pituitary) do not function properly. Causes of central hypogonadism include:Anorexia nervosaBleeding in the area of the pituitaryTaking medicines, such as glucocorticoids and opiatesStopping anabolic steriodsGenetic problemsInfectionsNutritional deficienciesIron excess (hemochromatosis)RadiationRapid, significant weight loss (including weight loss after bariatric surgery)SurgeryTraumaTumorsA genetic cause of central hypogonadism is?Kallmann syndrome. Many people with this condition also have a decreased sense of smell.SymptomsGirls who have hypogonadism will not begin menstruating. Hypogonadism can affect their breast development and height. If hypogonadism occurs after puberty, symptoms in women include:Hot flashesEnergy and mood changesMenstruation stopsIn boys, hypogonadism affects muscle, beard, genital and voice development. It also leads to growth problems. In men the symptoms are:Breast enlargementMuscle lossDecreased interest in sex (low libido)If a pituitary or other brain tumor is present (central hypogonadism), there may be:Headaches or vision lossMilky breast