Hypogonadism in males, Male andropause

—Specialisation

Hypogonadism is understood as a diminished condition of the functional activity of the ovaries in females and testes in males. The result of this medical condition will be sex hormone biosynthesis diminish. The same medical condition is also considered to be interrupted stage 1 puberty. Here, we are going to discuss the medical condition of the testes in males.
Andropause is a condition that occurs before or precedes the special or sub type of condition called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In simple terms, it is also known as a male menopause. This medical condition is occurred as the result of testosterone gradual drop, which is androgen. This medical condition is treated as deficiency state for which, the testosterone hormone levels go below normal condition, usually found in the aging men.

Hypogonadism causes deficiency of the sex hormones and the result of this deficiency usually result in either primary sexual development or secondary sexual development, or sometimes it could even result in withdrawal effects. The withdrawal effects are also termed in general sense as premature menopause.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms are different for male and female.
For the male, the following signs and symptoms are found.

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Impaired muscle in boys
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Development of the beard in boys
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Reduced height in boys
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Reduced in beard in men
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Sexual difficulties in men
N
Enlarged breasts in men
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Loss of muscle in men
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Reduced body hair in men
In another kind of hypogonadism, called hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, the following signs and symptoms can occur.
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Lack of sexual development
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Deepening voice
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Testes enlargement
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Facial hair
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Penis enlargement

Diagnosis

When the condition of hypogonadism is considered to be occurred, immediately, the initial diagnosis done will be simple blood tests to check the condition of the low testosterone. Additionally, the other blood tests will be done or PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen. This test is performed to check any signs present for the prostate cancer.

Hypogonadism is diagnosed through various tests and the conditions are classified according to following.

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What is the affected system? Is it primary hypogonadism, central hypogonadism or secondary hypogonadism.
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What is the severity? Is it primary or secondary?
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Is it congenital or acquired?
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Is it hormones or fertility condition?

Treatments Available

The most common treatment that is often recommended and conducted by the medical professionals is TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy. This treatment is suggested to the patients, who are not looking out to conceive.

The commonly used TRTs treatment is Transdermal, using gel, pallets, injections or patches and is performed through skin.

 

Risks and Complications

The treatments performed are hormonal therapy and so there will be some affects experienced after the condition is treated. It is quite possible tendency that the testosterone is taken for other reasons like body building, performance enhancement or aging changes and other non-medical conditions. It is a clear indication that men should not go for taking testosterone, if the condition is untested or in the cases that the levels of testosterone are normal. Especially, for the couple, who want to be parents, should not go through TRT. Any of the medical professional or doctor does not suggest TRT, without going through detailed case health history of the patient. It is important to rule out possibilities or symptoms for other causes.

Since TRT is hormonal therapy, there are certain side effects possible after the treatment is taken. These side effects may be one or more than one of the following.

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Swelling of ankles
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High RBC or Red Blood Cell count
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Breast soreness or swelling
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Acne
N
Smaller testicles
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Swelling of feet
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Infertility
 

Ideally, the doctor should discuss the procedure of the TRT and its following side effects, before performing this treatment.

After the Treatment

Though there can be side effects possible after the TRT, there are certain benefits, the patient will go through, after the treatment is completed.

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Help sleep
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Improve mood
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Improve energy
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Increase the muscle mass
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Improve sex drive
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Raise of energy levels
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Lower body fat
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Improvement in erections
 

After the treatment is completed, the bone mineral density can be increased and the risk of broken bones can be lowered. Treatment for testosterone is not one time therapy, rather it is a life-long therapy.