Glossary

Androgen: A hormone, like testosterone, that causes the body to develop masculine characteristics.

Diabetes: A condition characterized by too much blood glucose in the body. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes the hormone insulin. When this happens, blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body is unable to use insulin correctly.

Erectile dysfunction (ED): The inability to achieve an erection all or some of the time, or the inability to sustain an erection.

Hemochromatosis: The condition of having too much iron in the body; also called iron overload.

Hormone: A chemical substance made in one part of the body that travels through the bloodstream and affects cells and tissues in another part of the body.

Hypogonadism: The medical condition caused by low testosterone (Low T), which means the body doesn't make enough testosterone; Low T can cause symptoms such as: reduced sex drive, reduced energy, and sexual dysfunction, among others.

Hypothalamus: The area of the brain that controls the release of hormones by the pituitary gland.

Kallmann's syndrome: A rare hormonal disorder that causes an individual not to enter puberty.

Klinefelter's syndrome: A genetic condition in which males have an extra X chromosome. Males usually have the sex chromosomes XY, while males with Klinefelter syndrome have XXY.

Low T: Also known as low testosterone, which means the level of testosterone in the body is below normal; can be due to a medical condition called hypogonadism. Low T may affect mood, muscle mass, bone mineral density, and sexual function.

Obese: Defined as a BMI (body mass index) over 30 kg/m². An adult male is considered obese when his weight is 20% or more over the maximum desirable for his height.

Osteoporosis: A condition marked by less than normal bone density. Low bone density can make bones brittle and increase the risk of breaking a bone.

Pituitary gland: An endocrine gland suspended beneath the brain, supplying numerous hormones that control many vital processes. Some of the hormones it supplies that influence sexual function include follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

Testosterone: A hormone that helps some of the body's organs work the way they should. It's one of the most important male sex hormones. Testosterone increases body and facial hair, deepens the voice, maintains sperm cell production, and controls sexual desire and function. Testosterone can also affect energy and mood.