Hypogonadism is a condition in which the reproductive glands, or gonads, fail to produce enough hormones. In women, the ovaries do not produce an adequate amount of estrogen, and in men, the testes do not produce adequate amounts of testosterone and or sperm. Hypogonadism may result from malfunctioning of the gonads or from problems in the brain regions that control some of the functions of the gonads, explains the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Common treatments for hypogonadism include administering hormones by various routes.
Estrogen and Progesterone
Hormone-based treatments for women with hypogonadism include estrogen capsules, tablets, sprays, gels and extended-release patches, notes MayoClinic.com. Side effects from estrogen treatments for hypogonadism are rare, but a woman or girl should see her doctor if she experiences breast pain, hives, itchy or irritated skin, rash, or swelling in the face hands legs or feet.
In post-menopausal women, treatment with estrogen over a long period may increase the risk of cancer in the wall of the uterus, known as endometrial cancer. Unless a woman has had her uterus removed, doctors may prescribe a combination treatment which includes progesterone along with the estrogen. This can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Testosterone
Testosterone treatment for hypogonadism may come in the form of ointments, patches and injections. When doctors choose to use the injection delivery method, the patient receives one injection every second week, explains the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The skin patch delivery method may involve application of a new patch every day, on a different area of the skin, or a patch containing a reservoir system that stays in place for a longer period of time. Alternatively, a patient may apply a 1 percent topical testosterone gel once a day. He should take precautions to prevent transferring the testosterone gel to women and children through physical contact with the area covered by the gel. Testosterone may be given through a product that absorbs the hormone through the gums.
Doctors may prescribe low doses of testosterone to a woman with hypogonadism in order to boost her lowered sex drive.
Pituitary Hormone
When pituitary gland defects cause hypogonadism, doctors may order a treatment regimen based on pituitary hormone injections. That compensates for the absence of the natural pituitary hormone, which acts as a chemical messenger between the pituitary gland and the testes. In its absence, the testes do not function properly. The injections of pituitary hormone can stimulate the testes to produce sperm. Sometimes, radiation therapy or surgery becomes necessary.
