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By Mayo Clinic staff- Prevent osteoporosis. If hypogonadism occurs during adulthood, make lifestyle and dietary changes to prevent osteoporosis. Regular exercise and adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength are important to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium daily for men younger than 50 and 1,200 mg of calcium a day for men older than 50. All men should get between 200 and 600 international units of vitamin D daily, according to the IOM.
- Learn about erectile dysfunction or infertility. The conditions caused by hypogonadism can cause psychological and relationship problems. Know what to expect from these conditions and what to do if new or uncomfortable feelings develop between you and your partner.
- Reduce stress. Talk with your doctor about how you can reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany these conditions. Many men benefit from psychological or family counseling. Support groups can help people with hypogonadism and related conditions cope with similar situations and challenges. Helping your family understand the diagnosis of hypogonadism also is important.
- Allow time to adjust. Adolescents with hypogonadism may feel like they don't fit in. Testosterone replacement therapy can trigger puberty. When given at a slow pace that allows time for adjustment to physical changes and new feelings, it is an effective treatment.
References
- Snyder PJ. Causes of primary of hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 19, 2008.
- ?Snyder PJ. Causes of secondary hypogonadism in males. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 19, 2008.
- Snyder PJ. Clinical features and diagnosis of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
- Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hypogonadism in adult male patients - 2002 update. Endocrine Practice. 2002; 8(6):440-56
- Swerdloff RS, et al. The testis and male sexual function. In: Goldman L. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/105282103-4/750311888/1492/915.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50258-5--cesec32_11391. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Snyder PJ. Testosterone treatment of male hypogonadism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
- Dietary Reference Intakes: Elements. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/411/DRIs.Vitamins.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/54/395/DRIs.Elements.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2008.
- Testosterone gel safety concerns prompt FDA to require label changes, medication guide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02011.html. Accessed May 11, 2009.