hypogonadism
Noun: A medical condition characterized by the diminished functional activity of the gonads (the testes in males or the ovaries in females). This results in insufficient production of sex hormones (such as testosterone or estrogen), which can lead to impaired development, maintenance, or function of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
The term is used in medical and clinical contexts to diagnose and describe a state of gonadal deficiency. * The patient was diagnosed with hypogonadism after blood tests revealed critically low testosterone levels. * Hypogonadism can be classified as either primary, originating in the gonads, or secondary, due to problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
- Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: This refers to primary hypogonadism where the gonads themselves are dysfunctional. The pituitary gland responds by producing higher levels of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) in an attempt to stimulate the gonads.
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: This refers to secondary hypogonadism where the defect lies in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, leading to inadequate secretion of gonadotropins, which in turn fails to properly stimulate the gonads.
- Hypogonadal (adjective): Describing a state of or relating to hypogonadism.
- The endocrinologist treats hypogonadal patients.
- Gonad (noun): A general term for an organ that produces gametes; the testes or ovaries.
- Eugonadism (noun): The state of normal gonadal function.
- Gonadal deficiency
- Gonadal insufficiency
The term "hypogonadism" has a single, specific meaning in medical terminology related to endocrine function and reproductive health. It does not have common non-medical definitions.
- incompetence of the gonads (especially in the male with low testosterone); results in deficient development of secondary sex characteristics and (in prepubertal males) a body with long legs and a short trunk