Prevalence of Hypogonadism Symptoms Among Males With Hypothyroidism at a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT

Background  Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body's ability to produce sex hormones is reduced. Androgen deficiency and hypothyroidism are similar in many symptoms, and the coexistence of the two conditions is common. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of hypogonadism symptoms in male patients diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. Methods  This cross-sectional study was conducted at  King Abdulaziz Medical City  in Riyadh,  Saudi Arabia, with a sample size of 120 adult male patients with primary hypothyroidism. Data collection primarily relied on one instrument, namely, the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire, which was translated into Arabic and validated by previous researchers. Results  A total of 120 adult males with hypothyroidism completed the ADAM questionnaire. Out of the 120 patients, 67.5% had a positive screen for hypogonadism. Among patients who had hypogonadism symptoms on the questionnaire, 81% had a BMI above 25, 69% were older than 40, and 65% were smokers. Conclusion  Hypogonadism symptoms are common in male patients with primary hypothyroidism. Among patients with primary hypothyroidism, increasing age and being overweight added to the likelihood of having hypogonadism symptoms.