Hypogonadism - Harmony MD

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough of the sex hormone testosterone. There are two main types of hypogonadism:

• Primary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the testicles, which produce testosterone in males. This can be caused by genetic disorders, infections, chemotherapy or radiation treatments, injury, or surgery.
• Secondary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain. These glands signal the testicles to produce testosterone. If they are damaged or don't function properly, testosterone production decreases.

Some common signs and symptoms of hypogonadism include:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Loss of body and facial hair
• Depression and mood changes

Hypogonadism can significantly impact one's quality of life. Fortunately, it is often treatable through testosterone replacement therapy, which can help restore testosterone levels. This is available in different forms such as gels, patches, injections or pellets implanted under the skin.

If you think you may have low testosterone, we advise seeing your doctor at Harmony MD. They can run blood tests to check your testosterone levels and help determine if hormone replacement is appropriate. Catching and addressing hypogonadism early on can make treatment easier and more effective.