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Warning-sign checks

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for a sudden, extremely severe headache accompanied by vision loss, double vision, vomiting, fainting or confusion.

    Rarely, this pattern can occur when there is sudden bleeding into a pituitary tumour.

    If you have diagnosed adrenal insufficiency, follow your emergency plan and seek urgent help for severe weakness, repeated vomiting, collapse or confusion.

    These symptoms relate to cortisol deficiency rather than hypogonadotropic hypogonadism itself.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your healthcare team promptly if you have new headaches, changes in peripheral vision, unexplained breast milk production, excessive thirst or frequent urination.

    These may indicate a pituitary problem that needs assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if puberty has not started within the expected age range, puberty begins and then stops progressing, or menstrual periods are absent or have stopped without a known explanation.

The article also says

You should also seek assessment for persistent low sexual interest, erection difficulties, infertility, hot flushes at an unusually young age or symptoms of low sex hormones after pituitary surgery, head injury or brain radiation.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.