Hypogonadism

Epidemiology


Etiology


Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (primary hypogonadism)

Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism is caused by insufficient sex steroid production in the gonads.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (secondary hypogonadism)

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is caused by an insufficient gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and/or gonadotropin release at the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Pathophysiology


Diminished functional activity of the gonads → reduced biosynthesis of sex hormones → impaired secondary sexual characteristics and infertility

Clinical features


Diagnostics


Tip

  • Normally LH/FSH = 1
  • LH is more sensitive to hypothalamic GnRH

Treatment