MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism is when the testes do not produce enough testosterone or sperm. It can be present from birth or develop later, causing low hormone effects and fertility problems.
Causes & risk factors
- Testicular problems (injury, infection, undescended testes)
- Pituitary or hypothalamus problems affecting hormone signals
- Genetic conditions (such as Klinefelter syndrome)
- Obesity, diabetes and chronic illness
- Certain medicines and cancer treatments
Common symptoms
- Low sex drive
- Erection difficulties
- Tiredness
- Reduced muscle mass and body hair
- Infertility
- Delayed puberty in adolescents
Tests & diagnosis
- Testosterone
- LH and FSH
- Prolactin
- Semen analysis
- Genetic tests in selected cases
- MRI (pituitary) if indicated
Treatment & management
- Testosterone replacement when fertility is not the goal
- Hormone treatments to stimulate sperm production if fertility is wanted
- Treating the underlying cause (weight, pituitary problem)
- Monitoring during treatment
- Support for bone health and mood
When to see a doctor urgently
- Low libido, tiredness and reduced body hair together
- Delayed puberty in a teenager
- Infertility with low testosterone
- Symptoms with a known pituitary or testicular condition
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hypogonadism and low testosterone?
Hypogonadism is the underlying condition where the testes underfunction; low testosterone is one of its main results. Tests of LH and FSH help find where the problem lies.
Can hypogonadism be treated if I want children?
Yes, but plain testosterone lowers sperm production, so fertility-preserving hormone treatments are used instead when a man wants to conceive.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.