Androgen replacement therapy has been a cornerstone of the treatment of male hypogonadotrophic syndrome (CHS). Given the diversity of medical conditions that cause early-onset hypogonial syndrome, the scope of evidence for their therapeutic effects in children and their consistent inconsistencies with established guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, a standard protocol for monitoring hormone replacement in this population is badly needed. In this article, we provide some tips for families caring for young boys with CHS. These tips include:
Minimize exposure to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight, especially ultraviolet A or tanning beds, can lead to increased skin sensitivity and may increase risk of facial hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation. It has also been shown that excessive ultraviolet light affects the function of hair follicles. Long-term effects of ultraviolet A exposure include the development of cataracts, skin cancer, and cataracts later in life, although the likelihood of these complications is lower in children than in adults. For families considering Androgen replacement therapy, it is important to limit exposure to sunlight and to use an effective skin care product to protect the skin from sunlight's damaging UV rays.
Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to improve testosterone levels and to reduce CHS. The most effective CHS treatment is regular and intensive physical activity, which can be achieved through a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise, such as regular hikes, bicycling, swimming, or yoga. Androgen levels peak at puberty, and declining levels begin at menopause. Thus, maintaining adequate levels of testosterone are important for maintaining good health.
Minimize your exposure to sunlight. As noted above, high androgens in men lead to increased skin cancer and other health problems. The sun emits both UV-A and B radiation, with UVA being the more dangerous of the two. While moderate exposure to sunlight is not harmful, people with low androgen levels are especially at risk. For both men and women, staying out of the sun after about age 50 is the best way to maintain optimal hormone levels. If you must go out into the sun, wear sunblock to minimize your exposure and always remember to reapply sunscreen if you come into contact with the sun's rays for prolonged periods.
In addition to using testosterone as part of your medical treatment, many men and women with erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems have found success in using herbal remedies for hormonal imbalances and in restoring normal male and female hormonal balances. Some herbs used for this purpose are fenugreek seed extract, black cohosh, dong quai, blessed thistle and wild yam. While these are all natural substances, you should talk to your doctor or health care provider before taking any of them, especially fenugreek seed extract, black cohosh or dong quai. Always discuss any medicinal or herbal supplement with your doctor or health care provider before consumption.
As well as using testosterone replacement therapy to treat hypopituitarism and increase sex drive, patients suffering from hypopituitarism can also use acupuncture to treat their conditions. Acupuncture has been successfully used to treat a variety of conditions including breast cancer, asthma, high blood pressure and stress headaches. More research is investigating the potential effectiveness of acupuncture for low androgen levels as well as hypertension and osteoporosis. Further studies are underway.
Androgen levels peak at puberty, and declining levels begin at menopause. Thus, maintaining adequate levels of testosterone are important for maintaining good health.