WHAT IS HYPOGONADISM/TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY/LOW T?
Hypogonadism (hi-po-go-na-dizm) is a medical condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. Men with hypogonadism have low levels of testosterone (Low T). Some men are born with hypogonadism, while others develop it later in life.
There are two basic types of male hypogonadism:
- Primary hypogonadism: Low T due to a dysfunction or defect in the testes.
- Secondary hypogonadism: Low T due to a dysfunction or defect in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (the parts of the brain that signal the testicles to produce testosterone).
Causes of Hypogonadism/Testosterone Deficiency in men can include:
- Injury or infection to the testicles
- Stress
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
- Certain inflammatory diseases
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
- Certain medications
- Alcoholism
- Congenital hormone disorders affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, such as Kallmannās syndrome
- Problems with pituitary gland function