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What Is Hypergonadism?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Hypergonadism is a medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of reproductive hormones such as estrogen or testosterone. There are a variety of potential causes of this type of hormonal imbalance, including genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, or the presence of tumors. Symptoms may include the early onset of puberty, increased body hair, or increased sex drive.

Treatment options vary according to the underlying cause as well as the age and overall health of the patient and may include hormonal therapy or surgical intervention. Any specific questions or concerns about the development of hypergonadism in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Hypergonadism may cause early-onset puberty.
Hypergonadism may cause early-onset puberty.

Regardless of the gender of the patient, symptoms of hypergonadism are essentially the same for males and females. If this condition develops during childhood, it may cause early-onset puberty. Increased hair growth is a common symptom of this condition and may involve the face, pubic area, and body. A person with this condition is likely to experience an increase in muscle mass and may be prone to developing skin eruptions such as acne. As this is a hormonal disorder, mood swings are often reported among those with this type of imbalance.

Hypergonadism may be treated with hormone therapy.
Hypergonadism may be treated with hormone therapy.

While there can be a multitude of causes for the development of hypergonadism, tumors affecting the adrenal glands are a leading cause of this hormonal abnormality. The adrenal glands are located just above each kidney and are responsible for producing several types of hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Most of these tumors are non-cancerous, although a minor surgical procedure known as a biopsy may be performed to make sure.

Tumors affecting the adrenal glands are the leading cause of hypergonadism.
Tumors affecting the adrenal glands are the leading cause of hypergonadism.

Hormone therapy is the standard form of treatment for those with hypergonadism. This can be a bit tricky because it is much easier to add hormones to the body than to remove them. A combination of hormones may need to be used, and it may take a significant amount of time for the supervising physician to find the best combination and dosage for the individual situation.

The adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing several hormones, are located above each kidney.
The adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing several hormones, are located above each kidney.

If adrenal cortex tumors are found to be present, the doctor may opt to remove them if possible in an effort to restore normal function to the adrenal glands. Occasionally, the affected gland may need to be partially or completely removed as well. After removal, a tissue sample from the tumor is sent to an outside laboratory for further testing. Radiation treatments or chemotherapy may be used if cancerous cells are found as a result of these tests.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

@turquoise-- Actually, some of the symptoms you mentioned about hypogonadism is also true for hypergonadism.

I was diagnosed with hypergonadism in puberty. I had started getting excessive facial and body hair, much more than others my age. These were the first symptoms for me. But I also had fatigue, moodiness as well as acne.

One would think that hypergonadism would improve fertility, but actually it doesn't. Just like hypogonadism, it also reduces fertility.

I guess excessive hair growth is the only different symptom from hypogonadism.

turquoise

I have heard of hypogonadism where there isn't enough reproductive hormones being produced. My sister's husband has it and they have been unable to have children because of it. Due to lack of enough testosterone, he doesn't have enough sperm count.

I didn't know the opposite could happen though. I know my brother-in-law has been suffering from fatigue, lethargy and moodiness as side effects of hypogonadism.

Does hypergonadism cause the opposite-- excessive energy and physical activity then?

discographer

I believe hypergonadism can be caused by environmental factors like diet too right?

I remember watching a special report on a news channel several weeks ago which talked about girls getting their menstruation at earlier and earlier ages when compared to past generations. Doctors think that this has to do with unhealthy diet and consuming too much of unnatural, un-organic food that's treated with hormones.

I believe this is a form of hypergonadism right? And if so, it means it can be caused by environmental factors?

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    • Hypergonadism may cause early-onset puberty.
      By: Luis Louro
      Hypergonadism may cause early-onset puberty.
    • Hypergonadism may be treated with hormone therapy.
      By: Rachakrit
      Hypergonadism may be treated with hormone therapy.
    • Tumors affecting the adrenal glands are the leading cause of hypergonadism.
      By: maya2008
      Tumors affecting the adrenal glands are the leading cause of hypergonadism.
    • The adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing several hormones, are located above each kidney.
      By: joshya
      The adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing several hormones, are located above each kidney.
    • Someone with hypergonadism may experience an increase in muscle mass.
      By: CURAphotography
      Someone with hypergonadism may experience an increase in muscle mass.