Menopause, Male hypogonadism
Many men don’t realize that their levels of testosterone naturally decline with age, leading to problems with their sex drive, weight gain, and loss of muscle strength. The team at Arizona Diabetes and Endocrinology in Gilbert, Arizona, has extensive experience helping men overcome hypogonadism with comprehensive treatment plans based on their individual needs. You don’t have to wait long for an appointment when you call the office in Gilbert, Arizona. You can also use the convenient online booking system.
What is hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism is a condition in which men have low testosterone. There are two types of hypogonadism:
Primary hypogonadism
When low testosterone develops due to a testicle problem, you have primary hypogonadism. Primary hypogonadism may be caused by undescended testicles, mumps during adolescence or adulthood, high levels of iron, or a testicular injury.Secondary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism occurs due to a problem in your hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which control testosterone production. Inflammatory disease, severe illness, extreme stress, or a pituitary gland tumor are a few examples of conditions that may cause hypogonadism. Obesity and certain medications are also associated with low testosterone.What should I know about testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men, where it’s responsible for male characteristics and maintaining overall health. Testosterone regulates:
- Sex drive and sperm production
- Fat distribution
- Muscle strength and mass
- Bone density
- Red blood cell production
- About 95% of men’s testosterone is produced in the testes.
How does age affect testosterone?
Testosterone levels naturally decline as men get older. Although this is a type of hypogonadism, it’s more commonly known as andropause and low-T.
Testosterone starts to drop around the age of 30, then it continues to decline by up to 2% every year. This age-related decline may be accelerated by chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
What symptoms develop due to hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism causes symptoms such as:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Osteoporosis
- Decrease in beard and body hair
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Breast tissue may also begin to grow in some men, a condition called gynecomastia.
How is hypogonadism treated?
Hypogonadism is primarily treated with hormone replacement therapy. When you have primary hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy can eliminate your symptoms and restore your overall health. For secondary hypogonadism, taking pituitary hormones may stimulate sperm production and treat infertility. Pituitary tumors aren’t common, but when they develop, you may need surgery to remove the tumor or radiation treatment. If you experience a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or other symptoms of hypogonadism, call Arizona Diabetes and Endocrinology or book an appointment online.