Hypogonadism

What are symptoms of hypogonadism?

Symptoms depend on the gender and age when it developed.

Teenagers may have secondary hypogonadism if they don’t start puberty at a normal age. In males, hypogonadism can delay puberty, cause abnormal development of masculine physical characteristics, and delay growth of the penis, testicles, body and facial hair, and muscle mass. Teenage males may have delayed voice deepening, excessive breast tissue, erectile dysfunction, and excessive growth of arms and legs. In females, there may be a delay in starting menstrual periods and developing breasts. These delays can cause a low libido, low energy, and depression.

Adult symptoms include a low libido, sexual dysfunction, hair loss, hot flashes, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Adult men can have erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlarged breasts, and loss of muscle. Adult women may have abnormal menstrual periods, and a milky discharge from their nipples. Severe cases can cause problems concentrating, hot flashes, and emotional changes.

Infants can be affected if the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone during fetal development. The infant may have impaired growth of its external sex organs. A child born genetically male may have female genitals, underdeveloped male genitals, or genitals that are not clearly male or female.