Hypogonadism is the underactivity of the gonads. In females, hypogonadism results from defects in the ovaries, which are hormone-secreting female reproductive organs. The causes of hypogonadism can range from neurological damage, leading to hormone imbalances that prevent proper ovarian function or development, to damage to the ovaries. Hypogonadism, and the hormonal imbalance that accompanies the disorder, leads to a number of symptoms in the female body.
Amenorrhea
One common symptom of female hypogonadism is amenorrhea, which is a condition characterized by the absence of a menstrual period. There are two classifications for amenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary amenorrhea occurs when menstruation does not start during puberty, whereas secondary amenorrhea develops when a post-pubertal female stops menstruating, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Female patients with hypogonadism suffer from primary amenorrhea, because they do not normally develop a menstrual period by age 16, due to ovarian failure. Normally, hormones released at the onset of puberty begin to signal to the ovaries to stimulate ovarian development in preparation for ovulation and menstruation. In patients with hypogonadism, the ovaries do develop properly, so they do not support ovulation and subsequent menstruation.
Short Stature
Another symptom of female hypogonadism is an abnormally short stature, according to Drexel University College of Medicine. Short stature associated with hypogonadism occurs as a result of growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone normally stimulates cellular growth and cell division, helping to facilitate the growth spurt normally experienced during puberty. Neurological damage to a brain structure called the hypothalamus can cause hypogonadism. Since cells in the hypothalamus secrete growth hormone, hypogonadism as a result of brain damage also leads to a deficiency in growth hormone production, preventing normal growth. Hormone therapies to supplement growth hormone levels can allow for normal growth in female patients with hypogonadism.
Stunted Breast Growth
Another common symptom of hypogonadism in females is absent or stunted breast growth, reports Penn State University. Each breast contains millions of hormonally responsive cells that form the glandular tissue of the breast. During puberty, female hormones normally secreted by the ovaries signal to breast cells to promote breast growth and development. In hypogonadism, the ovaries do not secrete sufficient levels of female hormones, so the breasts do not receive the signals needed for growth. Supplementing estrogen levels using hormone patches or pills can allow for normal breast growth.
