Hypogonadism is a condition in which the ovaries in women or the testes in men do not function properly. As a result, normal sexual development does not take place or is reversed.
The gonads are the glands that secrete sex hormones. In men these are the testes. In women, they are the ovaries. The sex hormones promote a person's physical and sexual development. Individuals who suffer from hypogonadism may not have normal growth or sexual development.
Causes of hypogonadism include:
The risks the individual faces are primarily related to the underlying condition. Hypogonadism itself causes few problems and can usually be treated.