Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
The pituitary gland
The pituitary gland
Pituitary hormones
Pituitary hormones

Alternative Names    Return to top

Gonadotropin deficiency; Secondary hypogonadism; Kallmann syndrome

Definition    Return to top

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is absent or decreased function of the male testes or the female ovaries. It is considered a form of secondary hypogonadism, which means the condition is due to a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus gland.

See also: Hypogonadism

Causes    Return to top

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism results from the absence of the gonadal stimulating pituitary hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Normally, the hypothalamus in the brain releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release other hormones, including FSH and LH. These hormones tell the female ovaries and male testes to secrete hormones that are responsible for normal sexual development in puberty. A disruption in this chain of events causes a deficiency of the sex hormones and halts normal sexual maturation.

Failure of the hypothalamus is most commonly a result of Kallmann syndrome. Kallmann syndrome is an inherited form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism that usually involves a disorder with the sense of smell.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment depends on the source of the problem but may involve:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

With proper hormonal stimulation, puberty can occur and fertility may be restored.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if your child does not enter puberty as expected.

Prevention    Return to top

Prevention depends on the cause. Genetic counseling may be appropriate for individuals with a family history of inherited disorders associated with hypogonadism. Prevention of serious head injuries reduces the risk of pituitary injury-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

References    Return to top

AACE Thyroid Task Force. AACE Hypogonadism Guidelines. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6):441.

Update Date: 10/24/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.