Definition
Hypergonadism is a condition in which there is work and production of excess hormones in the gonad glands. Gonad glands are glands that produce sexual hormones in the body. In men, the gonad glands are found in the thesis that produce the testosterone hormone, while in women the gonad gland is found in the ovaries in the uterus that produces the hormone estrogen and progesterone. When the gonad gland works to produce the excessive hormone, it can cause menstruation before its time, and cause high levels of testosterone or estrogen.
These hormones are an important hormone for rural development and sexual function in humans. Hypergonadism conditions include conditions that are quite rare compared to hypogonadism conditions or lack of production of sex hormones in humans. Both diseases of either hypergonadism or hypogonadism can affect fertility, ethnicity, and other problems related to the development of sex and reproduction organs, depending on when these hypergonadicism or hypogonadism conditions occur in humans. Both conditions of both hypergonadism and hypogonadism can be treated with good and correct management.
Causes
The etiology of most cases of hypergonadism is unknown. This disorder may be referred to as idiopathic hypergonadism. Various health issues can cause hypergonadism. For example:
- Ovarian tumor
- Severe infection
- Autoimmune disorders include Addison's disease and Hashimoto's disease.
- Renal or hepatic disease
- Surgery
- Genetic endocrine abnormalities
- Encephalitis
- Gonads, endocrine, or adrenal gland injury.
Anabolic steroids are another factor that might cause hypergonadism. Anabolic steroids are drugs that include synthetic steroid hormones similar to testosterone or male sex hormones. Males typically use it to increase muscle mass and give themselves a more "masculine" appearance.
Read more about Hashimoto's encephalitis, here: Hashimoto's Encephalitis - Definition, Cause, Symptoms And Treatment
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of hypergonadism are:
- Excessive use of anabolic steroids
- Adolescence
- Autoimmune disorder
- Family history of hypergonadism
- History of infectious disease
Symptoms
Hypergonadism can induce different symptoms depending on the age at which it occurs. Hypergonadism during puberty can lead to symptoms such as precociousness or accelerated puberty. Mood problems might also manifest as symptoms. Hypergonadism is just one of the causes of early puberty. Consequently, additional exams are required to determine the precise cause.
Health problems that may lead to precocious puberty include genetic abnormalities, central nervous system illnesses, ovarian tumours, hypothyroidism, adrenal gland disorders, and other conditions. Warning symptoms of precocious puberty may include acne, emotional issues, irregular menstrual cycles, excessive growth of coarse body hair, deepening of voice, rapid growth spurts, and accelerated breast development. Brief duration. Men with hypergonadism typically exhibit signs such as increased muscular mass, heightened sex drive, spontaneous erections, and excessive ejaculation.
Hypergonadism occurring post-puberty can lead to male pattern baldness and the development of fine facial hair in women.
Diagnosis
Hypergonadism is diagnosed through a medical interview with the doctor, a physical examination, and additional tests.
Anamnesis
The doctor will inquire about:
- Current symptoms
- Medical history
- Drug consumption history
- Hereditary medical background
Physical Examinations
Subsequently, the doctor will do a physical examination. A physical examination is conducted to assess both overall and specific health issues. For teenage and adult patients, the doctor will initiate the examination by assessing body temperature, breathing rate, pulse, and blood pressure as needed. The doctor will do a thorough examination of the patient's condition, beginning with the head and moving down to the toes. The doctor will correlate the individual's physical state with symptoms of hypergonadism, such as increased body hair, acne, or very rapid breast growth within a brief period. Doctors typically assess puberty signals in teenagers using the "Tanner'' puberty scale for both adolescent boys and girls. The doctor may also inspect the patient's genitals if they are considered essential.
Additional tests
Subsequently, the doctor may suggest multiple additional tests. Some possible examinations to support include:
Laboratory analysis
- Complete blood count: to assess the concentrations of sex hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. In addition, blood tests can be conducted to investigate the presence of additional disorders that may lead to hypergonadism, such as viral and autoimmune diseases.
- Semen analysis
Radiographic Examination
- CT scan: to investigate the reproductive glands
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to investigate the sex glands.
Your doctor may suggest genetic testing if needed.
Management
Hypergonadism is difficult to treat. Treatment focuses on decreasing hormone levels, which is more challenging than increasing hormone levels, as is the case with hypogonadism.
Hormone therapy may be an option for treatment; it consists of preparing a hormone mixture in the correct dosage to assist in hormone depletion. In addition to hormone therapy, physicians may prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms, particularly when the underlying cause of hypergonadism is identified. For instance, if a thyroid disorder is the cause of hypergonadism, the doctor may prescribe particular medications designed to treat the disorder and reduce symptoms.
In addition, doctors can work together with psychologists and psychiatrists to address the psychological and mental health effects of hypergonadism, allowing for a comprehensive treatment approach to enhance the patient's overall well-being.
Read more about hypogonadism here: Hypogonadism - Definition, Cause, Symptoms And Treatment
Complications
Hypergonadism can lead to significant issues in addition to cosmetic changes, including acne, increased facial hair growth, and breast tissue development in men.
Hypergonadism can interfere with the menstrual cycle, potentially impacting a woman's fertility and ability to conceive.
In addition, men may experience fertility problems, particularly if excessive anabolic steroid use causes hypergonadism. Anabolic steroids can impact testicular health by decreasing sperm production.
Complications of hypergonadism typically result from the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause of hypergonadism can relieve the associated symptoms and problems.
Prevention
Hypergonadism cannot be prevented with specific treatments. To decrease the risk and danger of developing hypogonadism, it is advisable to screen children and young men at an early age. If there is a chance of developing hypergonadism, early therapy can lead to better outcomes in the future.
When to see a doctor?
Teenagers showing evidence of precocious or premature puberty should consult a pediatric endocrinologist specializing in metabolic disorders.
If indicators of hypergonadism manifest in adulthood, you should consult a specialist in metabolic and endocrine internal medicine for treatment.
Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!
- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
Biomedical Study - Male hypergonadism: case study. (2022). Accessed November 19, 2022, from https://thebiomedicalscientist.net/science/male-hypergonadism-case-study
CCHC - An Overview of Hypergonadism. (2021). Accessed November 19, 2022, from https://ccchclinic.com/an-overview-of-hypergonadism/
Health Line - Hypergonadism. (2018). Accessed November 19, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/hypergonadism#symptoms