Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, also known as primary or peripheral/gonadal hypogonadism, is a condition which is characterized by hypogonadism due to an impaired response of the gonads to the gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and in turn a lack of sex steroid production and elevated gonadotropin levels. HH may present as either congenital or acquired, but the majority of cases are of the former nature.Symptoms
Examples of symptoms of hypogonadism include delayed, reduced, or absent puberty, low libido, and infertility.Causes
There are a multitude of different etiologies of HH. Congenital causes include the following:
Acquired causes include ovarian torsion, vanishing/anorchia, orchitis, premature ovarian failure, ovarian resistance syndrome, trauma, surgery, autoimmunity, chemotherapy, radiation, infections, toxins, and drugs.Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made by measuring both gonadal and gonadotropin levels using a blood sample.Treatment
Treatment of HH is usually with hormone replacement therapy, consisting of androgen and estrogen administration in males and females, respectively.
