The endocrine system plays a critical role in human reproduction and sexuality. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are located at the base of the brain, and they work together to release hormones {luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)} that stimulate the testes to produce testosterone, a hormone that transform a boy into an adult male during puberty. Throughout life, testosterone helps maintain muscle and bone mass, sperm production, and sex drive.
Male hormonal deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors and clinical manifestations related to low testosterone levels include:
Male hypogonadism—effects (symptoms) of low testosterone
Male infertility
Sexual dysfunction:
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased libido
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you need evaluation by an endocrinologist who is expert in male hormonal health and male reproductive endocrinology for further evaluation and care.
Male hypogonadism can be related to variety of factors and needs endocrine evaluation prior to any treatment. Testosterone deficiency can be primary (resulting from a problem with the testes) or secondary (resulting from a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, or a mix.
Speaking more generally, low testosterone can be caused by:
Infertility, is the inability of a sexually active couple, not using birth control, to get pregnant after one year of trying. Male problem is a reason for 30-50% of infertile couples. If you have a reproductive health problem, and can not father a child; the first step towards resolving it is getting an accurate diagnosis. For that, you should consult a medical specialist such as an endocrinologist who is an expert in reproductive problems. After a diagnosis is made, your doctor will describe your treatment options.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection for enough time to have satisfactory sex. If ED occurs frequently, medical evaluation is necessary. ED can be a symptom of early blood vessel disease in other locations in the body including cardiovascular disease.
The evaluation of ED starts with a careful medical history, including history of sexual function, medications, illnesses, or injuries that could cause ED; and any recent physical or emotional changes and evaluation will be completed with laboratory evaluation including hormonal and metabolic tests.
Decreased Libido
Libido is the desire to engage in sexual activity. Common causes of low libido include:
Male hormonal deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors and clinical manifestations related to low testosterone levels include:
Male hypogonadism—effects (symptoms) of low testosterone
Male infertility
Sexual dysfunction:
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased libido
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you need evaluation by an endocrinologist who is expert in male hormonal health and male reproductive endocrinology for further evaluation and care.
- Incomplete sexual development
- Reduced sexual desire (libido) and activity
- Decreased spontaneous (night-time and morning) erections
- Breast discomfort or enlargement
- Loss of body hair, reduced shaving
- Very small or shrinking testes
- Inability to father children; low or zero sperm counts
- Height loss, low bone mineral density, easily broken bones
- Reduced muscle bulk and strength
- Hot flushes, sweats
- Decreased vitality (low energy, excessive fatigue)
- Mild depression
Male hypogonadism can be related to variety of factors and needs endocrine evaluation prior to any treatment. Testosterone deficiency can be primary (resulting from a problem with the testes) or secondary (resulting from a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, or a mix.
Speaking more generally, low testosterone can be caused by:
- Testicular injury (trauma, castration, radiation, or chemotherapy) or infection (mumps)
- Pituitary or hypothalamic tumors or diseases
- Hormonal disorders, such as high levels of prolactin (a hormone produced by the pituitary that lowers testosterone levels)
- Chronic medical diseases such as HIV/AIDS; type 2 diabetes and obesity, liver, or kidney disease
- Medications such as prednisone, or opiate pain medications
- Genetic conditions including Klinefelter syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome
Infertility, is the inability of a sexually active couple, not using birth control, to get pregnant after one year of trying. Male problem is a reason for 30-50% of infertile couples. If you have a reproductive health problem, and can not father a child; the first step towards resolving it is getting an accurate diagnosis. For that, you should consult a medical specialist such as an endocrinologist who is an expert in reproductive problems. After a diagnosis is made, your doctor will describe your treatment options.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection for enough time to have satisfactory sex. If ED occurs frequently, medical evaluation is necessary. ED can be a symptom of early blood vessel disease in other locations in the body including cardiovascular disease.
The evaluation of ED starts with a careful medical history, including history of sexual function, medications, illnesses, or injuries that could cause ED; and any recent physical or emotional changes and evaluation will be completed with laboratory evaluation including hormonal and metabolic tests.
Decreased Libido
Libido is the desire to engage in sexual activity. Common causes of low libido include:
- Medications ( SSRI anti depressants, medications that reduce testosterone levels)
- Excessive alcohol use or recreational drug use
- Excessive fatigue
- Systemic illness (chronic lung, heart, kidney and liver disease and cancer)
- Low testosterone (male hypogonadism)
- Depression
- Relationship problems
If you need Testosterone Therapy it has to be based on correct diagnosis and under care of an endocrinologist to avoid complications and side effects related to the treatment. Dr. Ilani provides testosterone therapy in Torrance and Santa Monica and closely monitors her patients for the dose adjustment and safety of their treatment.