Hypogonadism in a male refers to a decrease in either or both of the two major functions of the testes: sperm production and testosterone production. There are several causes for this condition.
In primary hypogonadism, the testicles do not respond to hormone stimulation. This can be due to a congenital disorder such as Klinefelter's syndrome, or acquired as a result of radiation treatment, chemotherapy, mumps, tumors or trauma to the testes.
In secondary hypogonadism, a disease state interferes with either the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, the main glands that release hormones to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. Situations that can cause secondary hypogonadism include:
-- Medication side effects
-- Liver cirrhosis
-- Toxins (alcohol and heavy metals)
-- Morbid obesity.
-- Malnutrition
-- Systemic illness
-- Stress