Normally two Pituitary hormones known as LH and FSH are responsible for stimulating Testes and Ovaries in men and women respectively. Any cause of hypopituitarism can cause hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism can decrease other hormones secreted by the gonads including progesterone, DHEA, anti-Müllerian hormone, activin, and inhibin. Sperm development (spermatogenesis) and release of the egg from the ovaries (ovulation) may be impaired by hypogonadism, which, depending on the degree of severity, may result in partial or complete difficulty or inability to have children.
| In Men | In Women |
|---|---|
| Loss of body, facial and pubic hair | Decrease in size of breast |
| Increased breast tissue (gynaecomastia) | Lack of pubic and axillary hairs |
| Reduced testicular size | Absent or irregular period |
| Smooth, fine wrinkly skin, especially on the face | Hot Flushes |
| Erectile dysfunction , Infertility | Low or absent sex drive |
What are the investigations required?
- Blood Tests
- LH, FSH, Prolactin
- Testosterone/ Oestradiol
- Imaging – MR scan of Pituitary gland
What are the treatment options?
For men – Androgen replacement orally or by injection.
For women,
- Cyclical estrogen progesterone preparations
- Gonadotrophin preparations