Secondary Hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism means testosterone is low because the pituitary gland is not sending the testes the signal to produce it. The testes themselves may be working normally. This separates it from primary hypogonadism, where the fault sits in the testes.
Medicine used to treat Secondary Hypogonadism
Key points
- Hypogonadism, also called androgen deficiency, describes a body that cannot make enough testosterone.
- Around 35% of men older than 45 are estimated to have it, along with 30 to 50% of men with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
- Low testosterone carries a higher risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.
Changes to watch for
The shift is usually gradual. Body hair and muscle bulk can fall away, red blood cell counts can drop, and the testes may become smaller. For some men, infertility is what prompts an investigation in the first place.
Treatment
Testosterone replacement is given by injections, gels, creams or tablets, and any underlying cause is dealt with at the same time. Enclomiphene (Androxal) is a 50mg tablet of enclomiphene developed to raise the body’s own testosterone in secondary hypogonadism; it has not been approved for that use. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms of low testosterone are a reason to see a doctor. Blood tests confirm a low level and indicate whether the testes or the pituitary is responsible, and referral to an endocrinologist may follow.
What the sources say
- A low reading can come from the testes not working properly, or from the pituitary failing to tell them to make testosterone (Healthdirect).
- Replacement hormone is available as injections, gels, creams or tablets (Healthdirect).
- Sometimes infertility or reduced bone density is how low testosterone is discovered (Healthdirect).
- Anyone noticing symptoms is advised to talk to their doctor (Healthdirect).
Further reading
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