Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

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Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Gonadotropin deficiency; Secondary hypogonadism; Kallmann syndrome

Causes

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism results from the absence 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 halts normal sexual maturation.

Failure of the hypothalamus is most commonly a result of Kallmann syndrome. Kallmann syndrome is an inherited form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism that usually includes involves a disorder with the sense of smell.

References

AACE Thyroid Task Force. AACE Hypogonadism Guidelines. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6) 441.


Endocrine glands


The pituitary gland


Pituitary hormones

Review Date: 10/24/2007
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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