The endocrine system is a network of hormone-producing glands. Though estrogens and androgens are vital to the development of distinct female or male characteristics, both types of hormone are present in both sexes. It is the concentration of the hormones in the body that determines the features that are recognized as typically male or female. Hypogonadism in males is a condition wherein the testes fail to produce appropriate amounts of testosterone.
Gynecomastia
When the estrogen/androgen hormone balance is abnormally disrupted so that estrogen levels become abnormally high, men may experience abnormal breast development, a condition known as gynecomastia. Certain diseases, medications and recreational drugs can sometimes cause gynecomastia, according to MayoClinic.com.
Men who are experiencing breast pain, swelling or nipple discharge should see a doctor to determine whether a hormone imbalance is the cause. Gynecomastia itself is not life-threatening and often goes away on its own, but in some cases medication or surgery may be desired.
Loss of Libido
A hormone imbalance can reduce the sex drive in either gender. MedlinePlus notes that testosterone is responsible for the libido in both males and females. Declining testosterone levels and a subsequent diminished sex drive can be caused by health conditions or by the natural decrease in testosterone production that comes with aging.
Male testosterone levels are highest in the morning, and patients who are suspected of having lower than normal levels of the hormone should be tested before 10 a.m.
Infertility
Men who are having trouble conceiving a child may be experiencing infertility due to a hormonal imbalance. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that as an adjunct to semen analysis, blood tests are used to evaluate male fertility.
The primary hormones that are measured in such a blood test are testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Low testosterone levels can be a sign of hypogonadism, while high follicle stimulating hormone levels can indicate testicular defects. Infertility accompanied by other signs of hormone imbalance, such as gynecomastia or loss of libido, may indicate abnormal levels of estrogen, prolactin or cortisol.
Undeveloped Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Males who experience hypogonadism prior to puberty may have a delay in, or absence, of the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of the testicles or the appearance of body hair. The Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education notes that a lack of male hormones during the period when the body is still growing can result in skeletal abnormalities of the pelvis.
