What is hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency syndrome)?
According to the definition, hypogonadism is the inadequate secretion of testosterone by the testes linked with corresponding symptoms. It has different causes: hypogonadism may be congenital or acquired. Hypogonadism is called primary if the cause is in the testes and secondary if the cause is in the hypothalamus or pituitary. Furthermore, hypogonadism may be related to age. This is usually a mixed form of primary and secondary hypogonadism. It is known that serum testosterone decreases with advancing age, especially in the presence of underlying conditions such as the components of the metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases. One differentiates between “classical” forms of hypogonadism (e.g. Klinefelter syndrome, testicular damage) and late-onset hypogonadism. • In children and adolescents androgen deficiency is usually of genetic origin or has congenital causes. It is diagnosed when puberty is retarded or does not occur at all. • Hypogonadism in the young adult appearing after puber
