Evan Bass Men’s Clinic Offers Insight into Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Secondary Hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism refers to a condition where a body fails to produce sufficient amounts of the primary sex hormone of men responsible for masculine development and growth during puberty or sufficient sperm or both. From the viewpoint of Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, either one can born with male hypogonadism or can experience it later course of life like in adult age – which is generally caused by injury in the testes or its infection. The consequences, and how an individual can treat them depend largely on the reason and what phase of their age male hypogonadism appears. Some forms of male hypogonadism can be treated by testosterone replacement therapy.
Primary vs. Secondary Hypogonadism
The major difference between primary and secondary hypogonadism lies in its root cause:
Secondary Hypogonadism: Production of testosterone production is decreased because LH and FSH levels remain low, negatively impacting testicular function.
Primary Hypogonadism: Sperm production tends to be more severely affected than testosterone production since the seminiferous tubules (where sperm mature) are more affected than the Leydig cells (which make testosterone). As a result, some men with primary hypogonadism can have normal testosterone levels but extremely low sperm counts.
Symptoms of Secondary Hypogonadism
Men with secondary hypogonadism may come accords symptoms relatively similar to those experienced in primary hypogonadism, including:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Low sex desire
- Lower sperm count
- Depression
- Low energy levels
- Hot flashes
- Poor muscle mass
- Increased body fat
Causes of Secondary Hypogonadism
Some of the leading causes of Secondary Hypogonadism include
- Pituitary Disorders: Pituitary tumors or trauma can damage hormone production. Therapy for brain tumors, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, can interfere with pituitary function.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Diseases like sarcoidosis or tuberculosis are conditions that can cause secondary hypogonadism.
- Infections: HIV infection can destroy the testes, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus, resulting in testosterone deficiency.
- Medications: The use of some medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, opioids, or tranquilizers, can temporarily decrease testosterone levels.
- Obesity: Increased body fat and high leptin levels have been linked with a higher risk of secondary hypogonadism.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, thiamin, and iron (hemochromatosis) may result in low testosterone.
- Aging: Aging is a natural phenomenon leading to secondary hypogonadism.
Diagnosing Secondary Hypogonadism
Early detection is imperative for proper management. If there are suggestive symptoms of hypogonadism, a physician of medical facilities like Evan Bass Men’s Clinic analyzes medical history and physical examination. Check the total testosterone level, usually by a morning blood draw. If the levels of testosterone are less than 300 ng/dL, additional tests may be involved such as a Luteinizing hormone (LH) blood Test, prolactin blood Test, pituitary imaging, and testicular biopsy.
Treatment Options for Secondary Hypogonadism
According to Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, the method of treatment is determined after an assessment of the underlying causes through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) its different forms include:
Gels: They are administered topically with due care to retrain from skin-to-skin transfer
Patches: Transdermal application delivering a continuous release of testosterone; replaced once a day every 24 hours.
Pellets: Implanted surgically under the skin every six months.
Injections: Injected intramuscularly; dosage depends on the specific product.
Tablets: Oral testosterone can be taken for some conditions but can cause side effects such as liver damage.
Conclusion:
Consulting healthcare professionals specializing in psychological counseling and joining support groups may be helpful. Making sure to talk to individuals who are struggling with similar issues can be helpful to get valuable insights and emotional support.
