hypogonadism.docx - Running head HYPOGONADISM 1 Male...

Running head: HYPOGONADISM 1
Male Hypogonadism
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HYPOGONADISM 2
Male Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism refers to the state in which the gonads produce little or no testosterone
hormone which plays a significant role in masculine growth. It can be inborn or may develop at a
later stage from injury or infection. Pathophysiology at any level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-
gonadal axis may result in hypogonadism. The causes include genetic diseases, head or testicular
trauma, radiation injury among others. Determining the etiology of damage to the hypothalamic-
pituitary-gonadal axis is essential because the prognosis and treatment options vary with these
factors (Hackney, Anderson, & Dobridge 2017).
Primary hypogonadism occurs due to pathophysiology of either Leydig cells or
seminiferous tubules or both. Injury to Leydig cells results in decreased testosterone production,
while seminiferous tubule involvement results in reduced or no spermatogenesis. Secondary