When your body doesn’t make enough sex hormones, it’s called hypogonadism, a condition where the testes or ovaries don’t produce enough testosterone or estrogen. Also known as low testosterone in men or ovarian insufficiency in women, it’s not just about sex drive—it affects your energy, mood, muscles, and even how your body stores fat. Many people ignore the early signs, thinking it’s just stress or aging. But if you’re constantly tired, losing muscle without working out, or noticing a drop in interest in sex, it could be more than just a bad week.
Hypogonadism doesn’t only happen to older men. Women can have it too—especially after childbirth, during perimenopause, or after intense weight loss. In men, common symptoms include reduced facial or body hair, shrinking testicles, breast tenderness, and trouble getting or keeping an erection. In women, it often shows up as missed periods, dry skin, vaginal dryness, or trouble getting pregnant. Both sexes might feel depressed, forgetful, or just "off"—like their body isn’t working right anymore. These aren’t just random quirks. They’re signals your hormones are out of balance.
What makes hypogonadism tricky is that its symptoms overlap with so many other things: sleep apnea, thyroid problems, depression, even chronic stress. That’s why so many people go years without a real diagnosis. But if you’ve been feeling this way for more than a few months, and lifestyle changes haven’t helped, it’s time to look at your hormone levels. Blood tests can tell you if your testosterone, estrogen, or LH/FSH levels are too low. And once you know, treatment—whether it’s hormone therapy, lifestyle tweaks, or addressing an underlying cause like a pituitary tumor—can make a real difference.
The posts below cover real cases, comparisons of hormone treatments, how hypogonadism connects to other conditions like diabetes or obesity, and what to ask your doctor before starting any therapy. You’ll find practical advice from people who’ve been there—not just textbook definitions. Whether you’re a man noticing changes in your body or a woman struggling with unexplained fatigue and mood swings, these resources will help you understand what’s really going on—and what to do next.
