Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism : Symptoms, Treatment, Cost And Side Effects

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is one of the forms of hypogonadism, which is caused due to incorrect functioning of pituitary gland or hypothalamus. It is a condition wherein the sexual organs in the human body known as gonads like testes in males and ovaries in females are under-developed and produce less sex hormone.

The sex hormones are also known as gonadotropins which include follicle-stimulating hormone and leutinizing hormone that are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. This decreased production of gonadotropins also affects the production of sex steroid. It has mainly impaired the production of sex hormones from tests or ovaries due to impaired production of gonadotropins in the pituitary. This condition affects sexual maturity in children.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism causes:

• Genetic defects
• If there is damage in the pituitary glands or hypothalamus due to any injury, infection, radiation or tumour.
• Severe stress level
• Problems in the nutrition
• Rapid weight gain or weight loss
• High level of prolactin which is a hormone released by the pituitary gland
• Overdose of the medicines or medical condition
• Use of drugs such as heroin
• Chronic or long term diseases which can cause infection or inflammation

• Blood test is recommended by the doctor to measure the level of hormones which includes FSH, LH and THS, testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin.
• MRI is done of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in order to check the growth of the tumor.
• Checking the level of iron in the blood
• Genetics testing
• The response of LH to GnRH

• Testosterone injections in males
• Testosterone slow-patch skin patch in males
• Testosterone gels in the males
• GnRH injections
• HCG injections

There can be a few side effects of the treatment options like gel can get transferred to someone else it skin to skin contact is not avoided, if skin patch is placed regularly on the same site on skin it can cause some allergic reaction, usage of pills over a long time can increase the risk of liver problems and heart diseases.

It takes about 6 to 12 months to recover from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism after starting the treatment.

The cost of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism treatment in India ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 including consultation.

Yes, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is reversible but the etiology of the reversal of the disease is unknown. In males, the growth of testicular indicates the reversal while in females the key indicator has been the fertility or spontaneous fertility.

Alternatives treatment for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism include inducing stress, regular exercise and meditation, following a healthy diet that would include healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, flax seeds, organic protein like organic chicken, wild salmon, fresh fruits and vegetables including green leafy vegetables, carrots, berries and fibre rich foods like squash, figs, beans, legumes etc, ashwagandha, essential oils like sandalwood oil etc.