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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will conduct a physical exam during which he or she will note whether your sexual development, such as your pubic hair, muscle mass and size of your testes, is consistent with your age. Your doctor may test your blood level of testosterone if you have any of the signs or symptoms of hypogonadism. Early detection in boys can help prevent problems from delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in men offer better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions.
Doctors base a diagnosis of hypogonadism on symptoms and results of blood tests that measure testosterone levels. Because testosterone levels vary and are generally highest in the morning, blood testing is usually done early in the day.
If tests confirm you have low testosterone, further testing can determine if a testicular disorder or a pituitary abnormality is the cause. Based on specific signs and symptoms, additional studies can pinpoint the cause. These studies may include:
- Hormone testing
- Semen analysis
- Pituitary imaging
- Genetic studies
- Testicular biopsy
Testosterone testing also plays an important role in managing hypogonadism. This helps your doctor determine the right dosage of medication, both initially and over time.
- Snyder PJ. Causes of primary of hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
- Snyder PJ. Causes of secondary hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
- Snyder PJ. Clinical features and diagnosis of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
- Snyder PJ. Testosterone treatment of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
- Male hypogonadism. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec17/ch227/ch227b.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hypogonadism in adult male patients mdash; 2002 update. Endocrine Practice. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Testosterone therapy in adult men with androgen deficiency syndromes. Chevy Chase, Md.: The Endocrine Society. http://www.endo-society.org/guidelines/Current-Clinical-Practice-Guidelines.cfm. Accessed Oct. 25, 2010.
- Brunton SA, et al. Late-onset male hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy in primary care. The Journal of Family Practice. 2010;59(suppl):S1.
- Bassil N, et al. Late-life onset hypogonadism: A review. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 2010;26:197.
- Dietary Reference Intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/vitamind. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
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