What is hypogonadism?

Also known as: male hypogonadism, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, testosterone deficiency, primary hypogonadism, secondary hypogonadism

The testicles function as part of a brain/gonad (testis in boys) system that stimulates the testes to secrete the male sex hormone called testosterone. Hypogonadism occurs when any part of this system doesn't function appropriately.

  • Primary hypogonadism is where the testes don't work properly.

  • Secondary hypogonadism is where the problem originates in the brain (pituitary/ hypothalamus).

Hypogonadism may occur during intrauterine fetal life, in prepubertal boys, and after puberty.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM

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