Hypogonadism
Alternate Names : Gonadal Deficiency
Hypogonadism Complications
In women, hypogonadism may cause infertility. Menopause is a form of naturally occurring hypogonadism, which can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and irritability as a woman's estrogen levels fall. The risk of osteoporosis and heart disease increase after menopause.
Some women opt to take estrogen therapy, particularly women who have early menopause ("premature ovarian failure"). However, there is a small but significant increase in risk for breast cancer and heart disease with use of hormone replacement for treatment of menopause.
In men, hypogonadism results in loss of sex drive and may cause weakness, impotence, infertility, and osteoporosis. Men also experience some decline in testosterone as they age, but it is not as dramatic or steep as the decline in sex hormones experienced by women.
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