Hypogonadism Symptoms

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for hypogonadism

Hypogonadism symptoms are primarily sexual in nature. Erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive are the most common symptoms.

Distinguishing symptoms

A big challenge in diagnosing hypogonadism is distinguishing between symptoms of normal aging and the symptoms of medically significant hypogonadism.

Overlapping illnesses can also make it more difficult to diagnose hypogonadism.

Other common symptoms of hypogonadism include fatigue, depression, weight gain, and decreased quality of life.

Erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual performance

Sexual problems are the best known hypogonadism symptoms.

Adequate testosterone levels are required for proper sexual functioning.

Men with hypogonadism complain about the quality of their erections. Men with hypogonadism still get erections, but they might not be as strong or as frequent as they used to be. Men with hypogonadism may also have trouble maintaining their erection for their usual length of time.

Men that have a poor response to erectile dysfunction medications are at risk for having hypogonadism.

It's important to note that some men with hypogonadism have completely normal sexual function, so not having sexual problems doesn't exclude the diagnosis of hypogonadism.

Decreased sex drive (libido)

Testosterone helps regulate sex drive. Many men with hypogonadism have decreased libido, but some men don't. A normal libido or sex drive doesn't exclude the possibility of hypogonadism.

Weight gain

Hypogonadism commonly causes weight gain. There is muscle loss and increased fat which decreases metabolism.

Men with hypogonadism have less desire to exercise which contributes to gaining weight.

Losing muscle, decreased endurance, and becoming weak

Testosterone builds muscle and hypogonadism is associated with loss of muscle mass. Muscles also become weaker, endurance is decreased, and some men report it's harder to play sports.

Fatigue

Low energy is a common complaint of men with hypogonadism. Men with hypogonadism frequently fall asleep after dinner or are too tired to exercise.

Poor sleep, decreased muscle strength, anemia, and depression all contribute to fatigue.

Depression and Anxiety

Men with hypogonadism typically have changes in mood.

Nervousness, increased depression, irritability, diminished sense of well-being, negative thinking, and anger are all mood changes associated with hypogonadism.

Men with hypogonadism typically have a poor response to antidepressant medications.

Testosterone replacement therapy usually reverses these hypogonadism symptoms, but sometimes antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications are also necessary to completely relieve symptoms.

Poor memory

As you get older, it's normal to experience a decline in mental capacity, but with hypogonadism, the declines are more severe. Many men also report a deterioration in work performance and increased inability to concentrate.

Bone problems

Osteoporosis or osteopenia is the disease associated with thinning of the bones. Osteoporosis is traditionally thought of as the disease women get after menopause. However, bone problems are very common in men with hypogonadism. Bone loss can be a serious complication.

Testosterone is required for proper bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Bone loss puts men at risk for bone fracture. The most common bones to be fractured are the hip, wrist, and spine.

Joint problems

Hypogonadism increases your everyday aches and pains.

Men with both arthritis and hypogonadism report that pain gets better when being treated for hypogonadism.

Hot Flashes

Flushing and excessive sweating occur, especially at night.

These hot flashes are similar to symptoms menopausal women experience as they go through menopause.

Anemia

Anemia means your red blood cell count has decreased. Testosterone is a factor in red blood cell production.

Men with hypogonadism typically have mild anemia that gets better with bhrt testosterone therapy.

Premature aging

Hypogonadism speeds up the aging process. Men typically look and feel older.

Male breast growth

Low testosterone can result in the growth of male breast tissue. Gynecomastia is typically more pronounced in obese men, but lean men can get it.

Loss of body hair

Along with facial hair, testosterone is required for hair on the other parts of the body such as chest, pubic area, and in armpits. A testosterone deficiency can result in a loss of hair in these areas.

Skin problems

Testosterone regulates the amount of oil produced by the skin. Some men with hypogonadism symptoms have skin that's dry, thinner and more flaky than it used to be.

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