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WHAT CAUSES TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY (HYPOGONADISM)?

Hypogonadism may be present at birth (congenital) or may develop later (acquired).

Testosterone deficiency is classified by the location of its cause along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis:

  • Primary, disruption in the testicles
  • Secondary, disruption in the pituitary
  • Tertiary, disruption in the hypothalamus

The most common congenital cause is Klinefelter’s syndrome.  This condition, which is caused by an extra X chromosome, results in infertility, sparse facial and body hair, abnormal breast enlargement (gynecomastia), and small testes.

Congenital hormonal disorders such as leutenizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency (e.g., Kallmann’s syndrome) also may cause testosterone deficiency.

Other congenital causes include absence of the testes (anorchism; also may be acquired) and failure of the testicles to descend into the scrotum (cryptorchidism).

Acquired causes of testosterone deficiency include the following:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Damage occurring during surgery involving the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or testes
  • Glandular malformation
  • Head trauma that affects the hypothalamus
  • Infection (e.g., meningitis, syphilis, mumps)
  • Isolated LH deficiency (e.g., fertile eunuch syndrome)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Testicular trauma
  • Tumors of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or testicles

Studies have also shown that men with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension may be twice as likely to have low testosterone levels.

For an appointment or consultation with Dr. Gary Bellman, please contact the office or call 818-912-1899