Hypergonadism

Hypergonadism is a condition in which your gonads overproduce hormones. Gonads are your reproductive glands. In men, gonads are the testes. In women, they’re the ovaries. As a result of hypergonadism, you can end up with higher-than-normal levels of testosterone and estrogen.

Causes of Hypergonadism #

There are several health conditions that are known to cause hypergonadism. Some of them include:

• Tumors (benign or malignant) in the ovaries or testes

• Liver or kidney disease

• Severe infections

• Surgery

• Some autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Addison’s disease

• Genetic hormonal abnormality

• Injury (lesion) to the pituitary gland, genital glands, pineal glands, adrenal glands, or endocrine glands

• Encephalitis

Symptoms of Hypergonadism #

Some symptoms of hypergonadism and precocious puberty are unique to each sex.

In girls, hypergonadism can cause:

• Early and irregular menstrual cycles

• Early breast development

• Coarse body hair

In boys, hypergonadism can cause:

• More muscle mass

• Increased sex drive

• Spontaneous erections and nocturnal emissions

Diagnosis of Hypergonadism #

• If hypergonadism is suspected, your doctor may order a blood test to see if hormone levels are unusually elevated.

• Additional tests might include a pelvic ultrasound to get a more detailed view of the adrenal glands and other parts, such as the ovaries (for women).

• Brain imaging may be done to look for tumors of the pituitary gland.

Complications of Hypergonadism #

• Aside from acne and other physical changes, such as facial hair on women and more breast tissue in men, hypergonadism can cause some more serious complications.

• Hypergonadism can interfere with regular menstrual cycles.

• That can make it difficult for women to become pregnant.

• Men may also have fertility challenges, especially if their hypogonadism was caused by anabolic steroid use.

• Anabolic steroids can affect testicular health, including reducing the production of sperm.

• Generally, the complications associated with hypergonadism are related to the underlying cause.

• Treating the cause may help reduce symptoms and complications brought on by hypergonadism.

Treatment of Hypergonadism #

• Treating hypergonadism is difficult. The goal is to reduce hormone levels, which is more difficult than trying to increase hormone levels.

• The hormonal treatments that are administered for hypergonadism include a combination of hormones tailored to your particular levels.

• This can be a slow process. It may take some time to find the right mix of hormones at the right dosages.

• If a specific cause can be diagnosed, then treatment will also focus on caring for that condition.

• If a gland has a tumor, for instance, it may be necessary to surgically remove the tumor.

• If the cause is severe underactive thyroid, you may be prescribed strong doses of thyroid medication to help restore healthier body chemistry.