Hypogonadism

inadequate gonadal function, as manifested by deficiencies in gametogenesis and/or the secretion of gonadal hormones; results in deficient development of secondary sexual characteristics and, when occurring in prepubertal males, in altered body habitus characterized by a short trunk and long limbs

Description
In thalassemic patients with iron overload the most common type of Hypogonadism is hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, due to malfunction of the axis hypothalamus-pituitary gland-gonads. Hypogonadism in thalassemic patients has to be treated as early as possible, because the deficit in gonadal hormones not only affects puberty and secondary sexual characteristics, but also has a negative impact on the achievement of the peak bone mineral density. So, hormonal replacement therapy is of capital importance in thalassemic patients with hypogonadism in order to avoid or treat osteoporosis. The distinction into primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism is important for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.