Hypogonadism Specialist
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Elise M. Brett, MD, PC
Endocrinologists & Diabetes Specialists located in Upper East Side, New York, NY
You might associate estrogen and testosterone with your sexual characteristics, but they also affect other aspects of your well-being. If you have hypogonadism, your body doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, which affects your reproductive health as well as energy levels, sex drive,body hair growth, strength and cognitive ability. At Elise M. Brett, MD, PC, in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Brett, a board-certified and fellowship-trained endocrinologist, offers expert testing and treatment for hypogonadism. Call the New York City office or schedule a consultation online today.
Hypogonadism Q & A
What is hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism occurs when you don’t produce enough sex hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone.
Hypogonadism could originate in your gonads — the glands that produce your sex hormones — or it could stem from a problem in your hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which controls your gonads.
Autoimmune or genetic disorders could cause hypogonadism. You may also have hypogonadism because of disease that affects your kidneys, liver, and blood. Obesity, rapid weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to hypogonadism.
What are the signs of hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism presents differently in men and women. Some of the symptoms experienced by men with low testosterone include:
- Muscle mass loss
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of body hair
- Diminished or absent sex drive
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Reduced concentration
Women with hypogonadism tend to display signs such as:
- Lack of menstruation
- Hot flashes
- Low or absent libido
- Milky discharge from breasts
If you develop any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Brett for an evaluation.
How is hypogonadism diagnosed?
Dr. Brett provides a comprehensive evaluation to confirm hypogonadism or low testosterone. Your exam includes blood tests to check your sex hormone, iron, and prolactin levels.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Brett may also order imaging tests to assess your ovaries, testicles, or pituitary gland and look for tumors, nodules, or other abnormalities that could affect your sex hormone production.
How is hypogonadism treated?
Dr. Brett provides personalized treatment plans depending on your specific needs. She often combines hormone therapy with lifestyle modifications to address your hormonal deficiency and improve your overall health. For example, she may recommend hormone injections, patches, gels, or pellets.
If your hypogonadism is due to a growth in your pituitary gland, Dr. Brett may recommend medication or surgery to shrink or remove the tumor.
If you’re concerned about hypogonadism, call Elise M. Brett, MD, PC or make an appointment online today for expert hormone assessment and treatment.
