Orthopedics - Oleksa A.P. 2006

Metabolic Bone Diseases
The Influence of Sex Hormones on the Skeleton
Hypogenitalism

Decreased gonadal function (resulting from primary or secondary changes) is clinically easy to diagnose based on the following signs: obesity and eunuchoid tall stature in the patient (Fig. 91), caused by delayed growth of the epiphyseal Cartilage of the long bones and its continued activity after Puberty. Consequently, the bones are excessively long and thin, especially those of the lower extremities.

Due to delayed epiphyseal ossification, the growth of long bones continues. Even at a mature age, transverse dark bands can be radiographically detected at the sites of the former epiphyseal cartilage. The shape of the pelvis is normal or infantile.

In pronounced obesity, fat accumulates particularly in the chest, abdomen, and buttocks. The face has a senile appearance, the external genitalia are underdeveloped, and Hair, as a secondary sexual characteristic, is sparse or most often absent.

In eunuchoid children, Diagnosis can be difficult, and therefore the condition often has to be differentiated from Adiposogenital Dystrophy (Fröhlich's syndrome).

As previously mentioned, in adiposogenital dystrophy in children, bone growth is slowed, and there are pathological radiological Changes in the sella turcica and visual field restrictions, which do not occur in hypogonadism.

Treatment. In primary hypogonadism (due to decreased testicular function) resulting from an inflammatory process, antibacterial therapy, thermal Procedures, and light massage are prescribed. Although it is very difficult to restore gonadal function, patients are helped by administering hormonal preparations.

To clarify the Diagnosis of Secondary hypogonadism, urine is tested for gonadotropin content. If pituitary dysfunction is detected, gonadostimulating drugs of the anterior pituitary are prescribed (Dilman V.M., 1961). These include prefizon, choriogonin, gonadotropin, etc.

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Fig. 91. Eunuchoid stature in hypogonadism.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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