What is Male Hypogonadism?
Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the testes do not produce enough of the sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone deficiency is common, as many as 5 million men in the United Sates may not produce enough testosterone — the hormone testosterone plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty. As men get older, the ability to produce testosterone declines. This decrease in testosterone production is sometimes referred to as andropause or “male menopause”. Inadequate production of testosterone is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction; however, when erectile dysfunction (ED) does occur due to decreased testosterone production, testosterone replacement therapy may improve the problem. Please see a doctor if you have symptoms of male hypogonadism or ED. Establishing the cause of hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, or a testosterone related issue is an important first step to getting appropriate treatment.
