Pediatric Hypogonadism
What is Pediatric Hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism or gonad deficiency occurs when the sex glands produce little or no sex hormones. Sex glands or gonads are ovaries in girls and testes in boys.
What are the different types of Pediatric Hypogonadism?
Primary hypogonadism
Primary hypogonadism is when there not enough sex hormones are produced in body. The message from the brain to the gonads is received but they are not able to produce them.
Causes
Autoimmune disorders such as Addison's disease
Certain disorders where the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue
Genetic and developmental disorders
Infection
Radiation exposure
Surgery on sex organs
Secondary or central hypogonadism
Secondary or central hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the pituitary gland in the brain and the messages to produce the hormone aren’t working.
Causes
Bleeding
Certain medicines, including steroids and opiates
Genetic problems
Infections such as HIV and AIDS
Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and histiocytosis
Nutritional deficiencies
Radiation exposure
Rapid, significant weight loss
Surgery
Trauma
Tumor in or near the pituitary gland
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Hypogonadism?
Symptoms in girls
In girls, hypogonadism will affect breast development and height. There may be a delay in beginning menstruation. If hypogonadism occurs after puberty, symptoms include:
Hot flashes
Loss of body hair
Cessation of menstruation
Milky discharge from breasts
Symptoms in boys
In boys, hypogonadism will most often be manifested as less than normal muscle development, very little or no facial hair and growth problems. After puberty, symptoms include:
Decreased facial and body hair
Difficulty concentrating
Infertility
Hot flashes
Muscle loss
Sexual problems
How is Pediatric Hypogonadism treated?
Treatment for girls
Hormone replacement is also widely prescribed for girls with hypogonadism. Estrogen and progesterone are usually given together.
Treatment for boys
For boys with hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy can trigger puberty and start the development of increased muscle mass, facial and pubic hair and growth of the penis. Pituitary hormones may be prescribed to stimulate testicular growth.
Pediatric Hypogonadism Doctors and Providers
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