Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism reversal after testosterone replacement in a 34-year-old male

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Jun 5:2017:bcr2016218729. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218729.

Abstract

A 34-year-old male presented to the endocrinology clinic with the complaint of the absence of facial, axillary and pubic hairs. Further history revealed absent ejaculations and decreased early morning erections. The patient had no history of headaches, visual problems or anosmia. On physical examination, there were sparse facial, axillary and pubic hairs, bilateral gynaecomastia, stretch penile length of 5 cm and bilateral testicular volume of 10 mL. Laboratory investigations showed low luteinising hormone, follicular stimulating hormone and testosterone with normal prolactin and thyroid profile. MRI of the pituitary gland showed no evidence of pituitary microadenoma or macroadenoma. The patient was started on testosterone injections. After 9 months of testosterone replacement, the patient's testicular size increased to 20 mL bilaterally and his penile length increased to the mean adult size for his age with normal testosterone and luteinising hormone. He was, thus, advised to discontinue testosterone therapy.

Keywords: endocrinology; pituitary disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / analysis
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / metabolism
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / analysis
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / deficiency*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / diagnosis*
  • Hypogonadism / drug therapy*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Testosterone / administration & dosage
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / deficiency*
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Supplementary concepts

  • Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism