Hypogonadism (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Treatments of hypogonadism depend on the cause. | |||
:*For hypogonadism resulted from certain autoimmune disorders or [[infection]] in sex glands, treatment protocol may focus on these causes and [[corticosteroids]] or [[antibiotic]]s may be helpful. When [[tumor]]s in [[central nervous system]] are the main causes of hypogonadism, treatment opinion may be [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]] and [[chemotherapy]]. If liver and kidney diseases result in hypogonadism, recovery of liver and renal function may be the first. | |||
:*Hormone replacement: Hormone replacement for patients with hypogonadism during childhood can stimulate puberty and the development of secondary sex characteristics. Hormones often used include [[estrogen]] or [[testosterone]], and pituitary hormones. Doctors will begin with an initial low dose of such hormones and gradual increases to avoid [[side effect]]s. | |||
==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ||
Revision as of 19:36, 16 December 2009
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What is hypogonadism?
How do I know if I have hypogonadism and what are the symptoms of hypogonadism?
Signs and symptoms depend on the cause.
- In female:
- Loss of menstruation and breast development during childhood
- Short height
- Loss of menstruation, decreased libido, hot flashes, and loss of body hair after puberty.
- In male:
- Lack of muscle and beard development during childhood
- Growth problems
- After puberty: Sexual dysfunction, decreased beard and body hair, breast enlargement, and muscle loss.
- For hypogonadism caused by diseases from central nervous system, patients may show symptoms of other hormonal deficiencies.
Who is at risk for hypogonadism?
- Certain autoimmune disorders in sex glands
- Genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome.
- Infectionin sex glands
- Surgery or radiation therapy in sex glands
- Brain diseases, especially in hypothalamus and pituitary gland, including bleeding, trauma, tumors, surgery, radiation therapy, genetic problems, infections, nutritional deficiencies and hemochromatosis.
- Liver and kidney disease
How to know you have hypogonadism?
- Hormone tests, including checks of blood levels of estrogen, FSH, LH, testosterone, and thyroid, prolactin. These tests can help doctors identify the cause of hypogonadism.
- Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: This procedure may be used to identify whether abnormalities of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus exist.
When to seek urgent medical care?
If you have any signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, call your health care provider to identify the cause.
Treatment options
Treatments of hypogonadism depend on the cause.
- For hypogonadism resulted from certain autoimmune disorders or infection in sex glands, treatment protocol may focus on these causes and corticosteroids or antibiotics may be helpful. When tumors in central nervous system are the main causes of hypogonadism, treatment opinion may be surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If liver and kidney diseases result in hypogonadism, recovery of liver and renal function may be the first.
- Hormone replacement: Hormone replacement for patients with hypogonadism during childhood can stimulate puberty and the development of secondary sex characteristics. Hormones often used include estrogen or testosterone, and pituitary hormones. Doctors will begin with an initial low dose of such hormones and gradual increases to avoid side effects.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for hypogonadism?
Directions to Hospitals Treating hypogonadism
Prevention of hypogonadism
There is no effective prevention for hypogonadism.
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Prognosis of hypogonadism depends on the cause. Many patients have a good prognosis after treatments.
Copyleft Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001195.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/male-hypogonadism/DS00300/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print