Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism means the ovaries or testes produce lower-than-normal levels of sex hormones (oestrogen/progesterone or testosterone), which can impair fertility. It is described as primary (the problem is in the ovary or testis itself, with high FSH/LH as the pituitary tries to compensate) or secondary/hypogonadotropic (the problem lies in the pituitary or hypothalamus, with low or inappropriately normal FSH/LH). In men, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is an important, often treatable cause of very low sperm counts, sometimes managed with gonadotropin therapy rather than testosterone replacement, which would further suppress sperm production.

Also known as: low sex hormones, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.