Male hypogonadism Symptoms & causes

Low Testosterone Low T: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

For older adults who have low testosterone and symptoms of hypogonadism due to aging, it’s less clear how well testosterone replacement works. Causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital (at birth) or acquired (developed later in childhood or adulthood). It stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production (spermatogenesis). Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in men than women. There’s often no way to help men with primary hypogonadism make sperm. But there are ways to help couples who haven’t been able to have children.

That’s why it’s so important to have regular follow-up visits with a health care professional, who will monitor the testosterone levels in your blood. If you’re does taking testosterone make your voice deeper (lapoderosa.org.ar) hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important. The mortality of men with testosterone deficiency is significantly higher than among men with normal testosterone levels. But, it is unclear whether replacing testosterone to a normal level reduces that increased mortality. Treatment is largely focused on the treatment of symptoms, not the specific testosterone level.

Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which your testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. It has several possible causes, including conditions or injuries affecting your testicles, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Another name for primary hypogonadism is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. The high levels of these hormones would normally tell your testicles to produce more testosterone and sperm. However, if you have damaged (most commonly related to prior chemotherapy) or missing testicles, they can’t respond to the increased levels of gonadotropins. As a result, your testicles make too little or no testosterone and sperm.

Testosterone taken by mouth, also called oral, isn’t often used for treatment of hypogonadism. Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland normally control the amount of testosterone your testicles produce and release. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. If a pituitary problem is the cause, pituitary hormones can be given to help the body make more sperm and restore fertility.

Any issue with your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland can cause low testosterone (male hypogonadism). Treatment of delayed puberty in boys depends on the cause. Three to six months of testosterone shots can help start puberty. The testosterone can help increase muscle mass, beard and pubic hair growth, and growth of the penis. This treatment is given only if the bones have matured enough. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved one oral testosterone replacement, testosterone undecanoate (Jatenzo, Tlando, Kyzatrex). The lymph system absorbs it, so it might not cause the liver problems seen with other oral forms of testosterone.

Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone. Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect people with testicles at any age from birth through adulthood. Your body usually tightly controls the levels of testosterone in your blood. Levels are typically highest in the morning and decline through the day. Either type of hypogonadism can be caused by an inherited (congenital) trait or something that happens later in life (acquired), such as an injury or an infection. At times, primary and secondary hypogonadism occur together.

A pituitary tumor may need treatment with surgery, medicine, radiation or replacement of other hormones. Early detection in boys can help prevent problems from delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in men offer better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions. Cleveland Clinic’s experts can help balance your hormones.

In one study, 30% of men who were overweight had low testosterone, compared to only 6% of those with weight in the normal range. In another study, 25% of men with Type 2 diabetes had low testosterone, compared to 13% of those without diabetes. Data suggest that about 2% of men may have low testosterone.