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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