The presence of hypogonadism may contribute to exercise intolerance. This can be important to recognize in an older adult starting an exercise program.
The risk of hypogonadism varies with age:
(1) young: congenital or hereditary cause
(2) adult: testicular trauma or surgery
(3) older adult: late-onset
Features in the young may include absence of male sexual maturation during adolescence.
Other features:
(1) erectile dysfunction, reduced libido or infertility
(2) depressed mood
(3) muscle weakness
The diagnosis of hypogonadism may be straightforward with a low total testosterone, or may be more subtle, requiring more complex testing to confirm (free testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, etc).
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