Facial and oral changes in male hypogonadism

Hypogonadism is a medical term for decreased functional activity of the gonads. The gonads (ovaries or testes) produce hormones (testosterone, estradiol, antimullerian hormone, progesterone, inhibin B, activin) and gametes (eggs or sperm). Male hypogonadism is characterized by a deficiency in testosterone - a critical hormone for sexual, cognitive, and body function and development. Clinically low testosterone levels can lead to the absence of secondary sex characteristics, infertility, muscle wasting, and other abnormalities. Low testosterone levels may be due to testicular, hypothalamic, or pituitary abnormalities. In individuals who also present with clinical signs and symptoms, clinical guidelines recommend treatment with testosterone replacement therapy.

Classification of male hypogonadism:

Firstly, Primary hypogonadism, also referred to as primary testicular failure, stems from issues within the testicles.

On the other hand, Secondary hypogonadism points to a dysfunction in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, crucial components of the brain responsible for instructing the testicles to generate testosterone. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prompting the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone. Subsequently, the luteinizing hormone signals the testes to produce testosterone. Whether congenital or acquired later in life due to factors such as injury or infection, either type of hypogonadism can be triggered by various causes.

Source: https://www.lecturio.com/concepts/hypogonadism/

Role of Testosterone:

Throughout a man's life, testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual, cognitive, and physical development. In fetal development, testosterone contributes to the determination of sex. The noticeable effects of elevated testosterone levels become prominent during the prepubertal stage. At this time, characteristics such as body odor, increased oiliness of the skin and hair, the onset of acne, accelerated growth spurts, and the growth of pubic, early facial, and axillary hair emerge.

In males, puberty brings about changes like the enlargement of sebaceous glands, penis enlargement, heightened libido, more frequent erections, increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, increased height, bone maturation, scalp hair loss, and the growth of facial, chest, leg, and axillary hair. Even in adulthood, the impact of testosterone is evident in aspects such as libido, penile erections, aggression, and mental and physical energy.

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3. Ryan, W. and Kathleen, Y. 12 Signs of Low Testosterone. Healthline. [Online]2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/lowtestosterone/warning-signs.