Male Hypogonadism Program

Male Hypogonadism textbook coverMen with hypogonadism do not produce enough testosterone or are unable to produce sperm, or both. Some men with hypogonadism have a genetic disorder while others develop hypogonadism later in life from injury, infection, medical illnesses or tumors.

If hypogonadism begins in fetal life, male genitals are underdeveloped. Hypogonadism starting in the childhood years will prevent, delay or result in partial pubertal development.

When testosterone deficiency begins in adulthood, men may experience low libido (sex drive), erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), loss of muscle mass, loss of body hair, and/or infertility.

Men with hypogonadism are evaluated for disorders of the pituitary and testes by measuring the levels of hormones in blood  including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and others.

Sometimes, MRI of the pituitary or ultrasound examinations of the male genital tract are needed. Hypogonadism may also produce osteoporosis that is evaluated with a DEXA scan.

Disorders Causing Pituitary Hypogonadism

  • Brain and pituitary tumors
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Kallmann syndrome
  • Weight loss
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes

Testicular Disorders Causing Hypogonadism

  • Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY)
  • Cryptorchidism (undescended testis)
  • Orchitis
  • Testicular injury
  • Cancer treatment

 

Most men with hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone, and specialized treatments are available for some men who are infertile. Also available is referral to colleagues in the University of Louisville Division of Reproductive and Infertility in the UofL Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health for assisted reproduction (IVF).


► For appointments please call 502-588-4600.