Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is absent or decreased function of the male testes or the female ovaries. It is considered a form of secondary hypogonadism, which means the condition is due to a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus gland.
See also: Hypogonadism
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is caused by a lack of the gonadal stimulating pituitary hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Normally, the hypothalamus in the brain releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release other hormones, including FSH and LH. These hormones tell the female ovaries and male testes to secrete hormones that are responsible for normal sexual development in puberty. A disruption in this chain of events causes a deficiency of the sex hormones and prevents normal sexual maturity.
Failure of the hypothalamus is most commonly a result of Kallmann syndrome. Kallmann syndrome is an inherited form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism that can be associated with a loss of smell.
Tests that may be done include:
Treatment depends on the source of the problem but may involve:
With the right hormone treatment, the person can begin puberty and fertility may be restored.
Call your health care provider if your child does not enter puberty as expected.
Prevention depends on the cause. People who have a family history of inherited conditions associated with hypogonadism may benefit from genetic counseling. Preventing serious head injuries reduces the risk of pituitary injury-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Gonadotropin deficiency; Secondary hypogonadism; Kallmann syndrome