Hypogonadism

A condition resulting from a deficiency in the secretions of the ovary or testis.

Hormonal deprivation resulting in reduction or loss of sexual vigor and occurrence of certain negative emotional reactions, e.g., depression.

Inadequate sperm production and/or androgen secretion. It may be a consequence of a hypothalamic disorder, pituitary failure, or testicular disease.

Underactivity of the sex glands (gonads), the testes in the male and the ovaries in the female. The condition can result from a problem with the pituitary gland, which triggers production of male and female hormones, and by disorders in the gonads themselves, sometimes as a result of wider problems, such as Laurence-Moon-Biedl Syndrome.

A condition produced by a decrease or total lack of the secretion of hormones from the testicles in men and boys and the ovaries in women and girls. Hypogonadism can be from a deficiency of two hormones from the pituitary gland—FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone)—or from the failure of the testes or ovaries to make hormones.

Impaired function of the testes or ovaries, causing absence or impairment of the secondary sexual characteristics.

A condition characterized by underactivity of the testes or ovaries the gonads. The condition may be caused by a genetically based disorder resulting in an abnormally functioning gonad (primary hypogonadism) or by a malfunctioning pituitary gland that fails to produce an adequate amount of gonadotrophin hormone secondary hypogonadism. Those affected may fail to develop adequately the secondary characteristics of their sex: males will have delayed puberty, erectile impotence and infertility and also develop gynaecomastia; females also have delayed puberty, infertility, and sometimes hirsutism.