Uncovering the Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Men with Hypogonadism

What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism is a condition where the gonads fail to function properly which leads to either a reduction in or an absence of sex hormones.  The body doesn’t produce enough of the male hormone, testosterone, which is essential for masculine growth and development during puberty.  A diminished   production of testosterone also causes a low sperm count.

There are two types of hypogonadism.  Either type can be either inherited or caused due to an injury or infection.

Primary hypogonadism begins in the testicles.

Secondary hypogonadism begins with a problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland which work together to signal the testicles to produce testosterone. The hypothalamus is a complex part of the brain.  One of its most important tasks is to link the pituitary gland with the endocrine system, a complex system of glands and organs.   The hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to make follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone then signals the testes to produce testosterone

What Causes Hypogonadism?

You can be born with hypogonadism as an inherited trait.  Hypogonadism that shows up later in life is probably a result of an infection or an injury.

  • Common (More than 200,000 cases per year in US)
  • Treatable by a medical professional
  • Requires lab test or imaging
  • Can last several years or be lifelong
  • Family history may increase likelihood

What are the symptoms of hypogonadism?

Early signs and symptoms can include:

  • Decreased sex drive
  • Depression
  • Decreased energy
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility
  • Decrease in hair growth on the face and body
  • Decrease in muscle mass
  • Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
  • Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)

What happens if hypogonadism is left untreated?

  • Mental and emotional changes
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Hot flashes

What are risk factors for hypogonadism?

  • Cancer treatment-a result of chemotherapy or radiation
  • AIDS/HIV-these diseases can affect the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the testes
  • Pituitary disorders-a result of an abnormal pituitary gland or a tumor in the brain
  • Malnutrition
  • Obesity
  • Aging
  • Inflammatory disease
  • Kallman’s Disorder

How do You Treat Hypogonadism?

Testosterone therapy comes in a variety of forms.

Oral:  The Food and Drug Administration an approved oral testosterone replacement preparation, testosterone undecanoate (Jatenzo), which is absorbed by the lymph system and might avoid the liver problems seen with other oral forms of testosterone.

Gel:   There are several gels and solutions available.  Some are rubbed into the skin on the upper arm of shoulder, like (AndroGel, Testim,or  Vogelxo.   Others, like Fortesta, are applied to the front and inner thigh.  The body absorbs testosterone through the skin.

Injection: Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) and testosterone enanthate are given in a muscle or under the skin. Testosterone injections can be given at home.  Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) is given by deep intramuscular injection, typically every 10 weeks. It must be given at a  provider’s office.

Patch:   A patch containing testosterone (Androderm) is applied each night to the thighs or torso.

Gum and cheek:  . A small putty-like substance, gum-and-cheek testosterone replacement delivers testosterone through the natural depression above the  top teeth where the  gum meets the  upper lip. This product, taken three times a day, sticks to the gumline and allows testosterone to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Nasal:   This testosterone gel (Natesto) can be pumped into the nostrils. This option reduces the risk that medication will be transferred to another person through skin contact. Nasal-delivered testosterone must be applied twice in each nostril, three times daily, which might be more inconvenient than other delivery methods.

Implantable pellets:   Testosterone-containing pellets (Testopel) are surgically implanted via an incision under the skin every three to six months.

What are the Benefits of Using Hormone Therapy to Treat Hypogonadism?

Testosterone is required for: male sexual development. reproductive function. building muscle bulk. maintaining healthy levels of red blood cells. maintaining bone density.  Testosterone can help counter the signs and symptoms of male hypogonadism, such as decreased sexual desire, decreased energy, decreased facial and body hair, and loss of muscle mass and bone density.

Testosterone replacement therapy may reduce the risk for serious or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE.)  The latest study of 806 men is from Germany and Qatar.  These men were tracked and studied for almost a decade.   Those whose received parenteral testosterone 1000mg every 12 weeks showed an improvement in the reduction of obesity, lipid levels, and inflammatory markers-all classical cardiovascular risk factors.   The control group, those who didn’t take testosterone, saw their risk factors worsen.

Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don’t have a medical condition that’s contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, there are natural ways we can suggest to help  boost testosterone, such as losing weight and increasing muscle mass through resistance exercise.

How Androgenix Can Help

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with our staff and doctor about the risks and benefits. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms or have any other concerns about your health, please contact our office and make an appointment with our staff and visit our office to get complete blood work and a physical examination.  You will be monitored by our team for treatment effectiveness and side effects on a regular basis. The team at Androgenix are here to support you in your journey for a better, healthier you. Our staff of caring healthcare practitioners will help diagnose and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.  Every person who enters our doors is treated as an individual deserving of care and respect.  We can help you feel and look better.  Give us a call today.

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Unless as otherwise stated, individual results may vary depending on many factors.  Not all patients “feel” or achieve the same results. 

*Unless otherwise stated, individual results may vary depending on many factors not all patients “feel” or achieve the same results.