Male hypogonadism

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

The 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
  1. Snyder PJ. Causes of primary of hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 19, 2008.
  2. ?Snyder PJ. Causes of secondary hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 19, 2008.
  3. Snyder PJ. Clinical features and diagnosis of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. Snyder PJ. Testosterone treatment of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
  7. Dietary Reference Intakes: Elements. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/411/DRIs.Vitamins.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
  8. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/395/DRIs.Elements.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
  9. 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.

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May 13, 2009

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