 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
| | | |
| |
| |
| Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism |
|
Definition:
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism describes absent or decreased function of the gonads -- the male testes or the female ovaries. It results from the absence of the gonadal stimulating pituitary hormones FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). Alternative Names:
Gonadotropin deficiency; Kallmann syndrome; Secondary hypogonadism
Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
An area of the brain called the hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulate the pituitary gland. In response to this hormone, the pituitary gland (located near the hypothalamus) secretes other hormones (FSH and LH). These hormones, in turn, stimulate the ovaries (female) and testes (male) to secrete hormones that are responsible for normal sexual development in puberty. Any disruption in this chain reaction 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 disorder that usually includes a disorder of the sense of smell. Failure of the pituitary may result from empty sella syndrome, pituitary tumors (craniopharyngioma), head injuries, or other causes.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| 
.gif)
