Hypofunktion

Hypofunktion is a medical term describing reduced or diminished function of an organ, gland, or physiological system. It is the opposite of hyperfunction, where activity is excessive. Hypofunktion can be congenital or acquired and may result from developmental defects, injury, inflammation, ischemia, autoimmune disease, endocrine suppression, or pharmacologic effects.

Common examples include hypofunction of endocrine glands, such as thyroid hypofunction leading to hypothyroidism, adrenal hypofunction causing adrenal insufficiency, or gonadal hypofunction resulting in hypogonadism. Nervous system hypofunction can refer to reduced activity in neural pathways, while organ-specific forms include renal hypofunction, hepatic hypofunction, or pancreatic insufficiency, each affecting metabolism or homeostasis.

Clinical presentation depends on the affected system and may include fatigue, weight change, cold intolerance, hypotension, metabolic slowing, impaired growth or development in children, or reproductive and sexual symptoms. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, measurement of relevant hormones or biomarkers showing reduced secretion or activity, and may include stimulation or suppression tests, imaging, and assessment of organ function.

Management targets restoration or compensation of function and often includes hormone replacement therapy, treatment of underlying causes (eg, autoimmune disease, tumor, infection), and supportive care. The prognosis for Hypofunktion varies with etiology, duration, and response to treatment. In practice, distinguishing hypofunction from related concepts such as hyposecretion, receptor insensitivity, or tissue damage guides therapy.