Among all the pathological conditions of the male body that lead to impaired reproductive function, hypogonadism or androgen deficiency deserves special attention. With this disease, which develops against the background of congenital or some acquired pathologies, an insufficient amount of male sex hormones is produced in the body of a man. As a result of a lack of hormones, characteristic symptoms occur, which differ depending on the age at which the pathology developed. Correctly selected treatment of hypogonadism helps to restore reproductive function and remove symptoms.
Diagnosis and effective treatment of hypogonadism
The treatment of hypogonadism is a laborious and very lengthy process, since the disease is quite serious. The main goal of therapeutic measures is the restoration of the male reproductive function and the complete elimination of signs of androgen deficiency, namely the restoration and development of secondary sexual characteristics, potency and libido, as well as an increase in muscle strength. Therapy of hypogonadism does not mean a single prescription of drugs, but long-term treatment with constant dynamic monitoring and, if necessary, correction of the therapeutic regimen.
Treatment of hypogonadism:
- laboratory and instrumental methods for diagnosing hypogonadism;
- hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism;
- How is the effectiveness of treatment for hypogonadism evaluated?
Laboratory and instrumental methods for diagnosing hypogonadism
To achieve the most effective treatment for hypogonadism, it is very important to complete the diagnostic process as informative as possible. Diagnosis of androgen deficiency involves the following studies:
- physical examination: it is necessary to assess the parameters of the man's body, the state of his skeletal muscles, the severity of secondary sexual characteristics, the condition of the external genitalia;
- laboratory tests: determination of the concentration of total testosterone, gonadotropic hormones, prolactin and sex hormone-binding globulin;
- semen analysis;
- transrectal pelvic ultrasound;
- MRI of the brain.
Hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism
An effective method of treating hypogonadism is the appointment of permanent hormone replacement therapy with testosterone preparations, thereby eliminating androgen deficiency. Against the background of taking testosterone preparations in men, sexual function is normalized and the state of secondary sexual characteristics is maintained. Androgens also have an anabolic effect on the muscles, due to which the patient's appearance is normalized. In combination with testosterone preparations, stimulants of endogenous androgen secretion can be recommended. HCG has proven itself well, which increases the secretion of its own Leydig cells.
How to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of hypogonadism
The main method for assessing the effectiveness of the treatment of hypogonadism is the constant monitoring of the patient's condition. Dynamic observation of patients receiving hormonal therapy should be carried out throughout the entire period of treatment of hypogonadism. By filling in special sexological questionnaires, the restoration of sexual functions is monitored. Men over the age of 40 should have a digital rectal examination every 6 to 12 months. Control tests are conducted annually for young men, and once a quarter or half a year for older men. These include:
- determination of testosterone concentration;
- blood hemoglobin and hematocrit;
- determination of cholesterol, liver enzymes, high and low density lipids;
- for men over 40 years of age - determination of the content of a specific antigen in the blood of the prostate.
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