Female hypogonadismis a condition in which the ovaries produce little to no estrogen or progesterone.
There are many possible causes of hypogonadism, including genetics, environmental influences, and certain health issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypogonadism
Many people with hypogonadism may not realize they have the condition.
Causes and Risk Factors for Hypogonadism
Medical experts classify hypogonadism as either secondary or primary.
Secondary hypogonadism is when the signal from the pituitary is deficient, says Dr. Chubak.
A genetic condition,Kallmann syndrome, can also lead to secondary hypogonadism.
Primary hypogonadism may begin when a child is in the womb.
A mothers diet, lifestyle, and exposure to drugs and chemicals may have an impact on the fetus.
For example,a maternal zinc deficiencyhas been associated with male hypogonadism.
In the fetal stage, a lack of hormones can impede the growth of the sexual organs.
Primary hypogonadism can also be genetic.
Disorders that cause primary male hypogonadism includeKlinefelter syndrome, the result of an extra X chromosome.
(Males normally have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes.)
Other causes of primary hypogonadism include complications from the mumps and physical injury to thetesticlesor ovaries.
ObesityThis condition is a risk factor for male hypogonadism.
Body fat contains an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogen, causinghormonal imbalance.
(Both male and female bodies produce estrogen and testosterone, albeit in different amounts.)
Obesity does not appear to be a risk factor for female hypogonadism, Dr. Nguyen says.
Lack of body fat or disordered eatingThese are risk factors for female hypogonadism.
bang out 2 diabetesis a risk factor for hypogonadism.
Some research has specifically pointed to a link between low estrogen and diabetes.
How Is Hypogonadism Diagnosed?
An inexpensive and reliable screening test for male hypogonadism can measure total and free testosterone levels in the blood.
This test is typically done in the morning (testosterone levels typically peak between 8 and 10 a.m.).
TheEndocrine Societysays that the treatment is safe and can be effective.
Harvard Medical Schoolpoints out that testosterone therapy has risks.
Red blood cell counts can also increase to abnormally high levels, which could increase the risk of clotting.
In most cases the infertility because of testosterone treatment is reversible.
These products come in the form of patches, pills, gels, creams, sprays, and injections.
Do Supplements Work?
The market is flooded with testosterone-boosting supplements, but consumers should know that some may not be effective.
I dont personally prescribe supplements, says Nguyen.
Prevention of Hypogonadism
TheU.S.
He has interviewed doctors and pharmaceutical representatives in the U.S. and abroad.
Rauf lives in Seattle, Washington.
