Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
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Definition
Hypogonadism is when the sex glands produce little or no hormones. In men, these glands (gonads) are the testes. In women, they are the ovaries.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a form of hypogonadism that is due to a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus glands. These glands are found in or near the brain.
See also: Hypogonadism
Alternative Names
Gonadotropin deficiency; Secondary hypogonadism; Kallmann syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normally, the hypothalamus in the brain releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to release other hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Normally, these hormones tell the female ovaries and male testes to release hormones that lead to normal sexual development in puberty.
Kallmann syndrome is an inherited form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism that can occur with a loss of smell.
References
Styne DM, Grumbach MM. Puberty: Ontogeny, neuroendocrinology, physiology, and disorders. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2011:chap 25.
Review Date: 7/26/2011
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Gonadotropin deficiency; Secondary hypogonadism; Kallmann syndrome
Symptoms
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Inability to smell (in some cases)
- Lack of development at puberty (development may be incomplete or delayed)
- Lack of secondary sexual characteristics such as pubic, facial, and underarm hair
- Loss of menstrual periods in women
- Short stature (in some cases)
- Underdeveloped testicles
Signs and tests
Tests that may be done include:
References
Styne DM, Grumbach MM. Puberty: Ontogeny, neuroendocrinology, physiology, and disorders. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2011:chap 25.
Review Date: 7/26/2011
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Gonadotropin deficiency; Secondary hypogonadism; Kallmann syndrome
Treatment
Treatment depends on the source of the problem, but may involve:
- Estrogen and progesterone pills
- GnRH injections
- Injections of testosterone
- Slow-release testosterone skin patch
- Surgery to remove a pituitary tumor
- Testosterone gels
Expectations (prognosis)
With the right hormone treatment, the person can go through puberty and fertility may be restored.
Complications
- Delayed puberty
- Infertility
- Low self-esteem due to late start of puberty (emotional support may be helpful)
- Sexual dysfunction
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if your child does not enter puberty as expected.
References
Styne DM, Grumbach MM. Puberty: Ontogeny, neuroendocrinology, physiology, and disorders. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2011:chap 25.
Review Date: 7/26/2011
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Gonadotropin deficiency; Secondary hypogonadism; Kallmann syndrome
Prevention
Prevention depends on the cause.
People who have a family history of inherited conditions that cause hypogonadism may benefit from genetic counseling. Preventing serious head injuries reduces the risk of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to pituitary injury.
References
Styne DM, Grumbach MM. Puberty: Ontogeny, neuroendocrinology, physiology, and disorders. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2011:chap 25.
Review Date: 7/26/2011
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 7/26/2011
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.