Signs and Symptoms
Many symptoms of hypogonadism in both men and women are non-specific and overlap with those of depression or chronic illness. Some common symptoms include:1
- fatigue/decreased energy
- feeling depressed or unmotivated
-
poor self-image
More specific symptoms of hypogonadism may not always be present, but can include:1
- reduced libido and the inability to obtain an erection
- changes in the pattern of hair growth
- testicular atrophy
-
gynecomastia
Androgen deficiency has also been shown to contribute to:1
- insulin resistance
- anemia
- osteoporosis (in men)
- dyslipidemia (in men)
- increased truncal fat (in men)
The Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines2 provide further possible signs and symptoms that may lead to a diagnosis of androgen deficiency in male patients in the general population.
Table 1. Symptoms and signs suggestive of androgen deficiency in men2
| A. More specific symptoms and signs |
|
Incomplete or delayed sexual development, eunuchoidism Reduced sexual desire (libido) and activity Decreased spontaneous erections Breast discomfort, gynecomastia Loss of body (axillary and pubic) hair, reduced shaving Very small (especially <5 ml) or shrinking testes Inability to father children, low or zero sperm count Height loss, low trauma fracture, low bone mineral density Hot flushes, sweats |
| B. Other less specific symptoms and signs |
|
Decreased energy, motivation, initiative, and self-confidence Feeling sad or blue, depressed mood, dysthymia Poor concentration and memory Sleep disturbance, increased sleepiness Mild anemia (normochromic, normocytic, in the female range) Reduced muscle bulk and strength Increased body fat, body mass index Diminished physical or work performance |
Adapted with permission from the Endocrine Society.2
Find out more about diagnostic tools for hypogonadism
References
- Mylonakis E, Koutkia P, Grinspoon S. Diagnosis and treatment of androgen deficiency in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men and women. Clin Infect Dis. 2001;33:857–864.
-
Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines on Testosterone Therapy in Adult Men with Androgen Deficiency Syndromes. 2010. Accessed 22 February 2011.