Male Hypogonadism

Abstract

The testes are vital organs for reproduction of the human species, besides being the main source of testosterone production in men. Thus, although not essential for survival, they represent the essence of male biological function. The clinical features of male hypogonadism are sufficiently well recognized, the causes sufficiently well known, and the tests of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis sufficiently accurate to permit the diagnosis in most patients. Hypogonadism in a male refers to a decrease in one or both of the two major functions of the testes: sperm production or testosterone production. These abnormalities can result from disease of the testes (primary hypogonadism) or disease of the pituitary or hypothalamus (secondary hypogonadism).