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Secondary Hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism is low testosterone because the pituitary gland does not send the testes the signal to make it, as distinct from a primary problem in the testes themselves. Hypogonadism (androgen deficiency) is common in men: the Endocrine Society puts it at about 35 percent of men over 45, and 30 to 50 percent of men with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Medicine used to treat Secondary Hypogonadism

Androxal

Enclomiphene

50mg

Utilised to support hormonal balance by targeting oestrogen receptors to alleviate indicators of secondary hypogonadism in men.

FromUS$0.77/ tabletView

Symptoms and testing

Over time, low testosterone can cause loss of body hair and muscle, weaker bones, fewer red blood cells and smaller testes, and it can show up as infertility. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor: blood tests confirm low testosterone and show whether the cause is in the testes or the pituitary, which may lead to a referral to an endocrinologist.

Treatment

Treatment usually means testosterone replacement (injections, gels, creams or tablets) and dealing with any underlying cause. Enclomiphene (Androxal) was developed to raise the body’s own testosterone in secondary hypogonadism, but it has not been approved for that use.

Further reading

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