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By Mayo Clinic staffThe complications of untreated hypogonadism differ depending on what age it first develops — during fetal development, puberty or adulthood:
- Fetal development. If hypogonadism begins during fetal development, a baby may be born with ambiguous or abnormal genitalia.
- Puberty. If hypogonadism develops before puberty, a lack of body hair and impaired penis and testicle growth may occur.
- Adulthood. Infertility, erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, fatigue, muscle loss or weakness, enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia), decreased beard and body hair growth, and osteoporosis are possible complications of hypogonadism in adults.
References
- Snyder PJ. Causes of primary of hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 19, 2008.
- ?Snyder PJ. Causes of secondary hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 19, 2008.
- Snyder PJ. Clinical features and diagnosis of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
- Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hypogonadism in adult male patients - 2002 update. Endocrine Practice. 2002; 8(6):440-56
- Swerdloff RS, et al. The testis and male sexual function. In: Goldman L. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/105282103-4/750311888/1492/915.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50258-5--cesec32_11391. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Snyder PJ. Testosterone treatment of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
- Dietary Reference Intakes: Elements. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/411/DRIs.Vitamins.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/395/DRIs.Elements.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Testosterone gel safety concerns prompt FDA to require label changes, medication guide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02011.html. Accessed May 11, 2009.