Evaluation of sexual functional status and consistency of scales in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism before and after testosterone replacement therapy: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction and the effect of short-term testosterone replacement therapy on sexual functions in congenital hypogonadism patients. Furthermore, we sought to reveal the consistency of the self-report scales used for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction and the relationship between biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 47 young male patients aged above 18 years who were diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Short (IIEF-5) and long (IIEF-15) forms of the International Index of Erectile Function and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were applied before treatment under the supervision of a physician. The patients' blood pressure, height, and weight were measured, and their luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH, and total testosterone levels were recorded. Patients who started their treatments were called for a follow-up checkup after 6 months. Their blood pressure, height, and weight were measured by reapplying the ASEX, IIEF-5, and IIEF-15. In addition, their LH, FSH, and total testosterone levels in the biochemical tests were rerecorded. Results: In this study, the sexual dysfunction status of patients diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism before and after treatment was evaluated using the ASEX, IIEF-15, and IIEF-5 scales. A decrease in sexual dysfunction was observed in all three scales after treatment compared with that before treatment. The IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scales were found to be uncorrelated in terms of the pretreatment values but were correlated in terms of the post-treatment values. Although a correlation was observed between ASEX and IIEF-5 before treatment, no correlation was detected between ASEX and IIEF-15. After the treatment, ASEX was found to be correlated with both IIEF-5 and IIEF-15. The results of the scales indicated the correlation in all categories, except the pretreatment results of the IIEF-15 scale. Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated a significant improvement in the sexual function of hypogonadism patients undergoing short-term testosterone therapy. The ASEX, IIEF-5, and IIEF-15 scales used in the diagnosis and follow-up of sexual dysfunction were useful for evaluating sexual functions in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients.

Late-onset hypogonadism in males: Guidelines and controversies / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an age-related testosterone deficiency syndrome. With the increasing aging of society, LOH results in impaired quality of life of middle-aged and elderly men. Although domestic and international guidelines have been issued in recent years, and the management of LOH became more standardized, numerous controversies still remained in the diagnosis of LOH, the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and therapeutic targets. Based on comparison of different guidelines, this review focuses on age cut-off , specific signs and symptoms of LOH, diagnostic cut-off level of testosterone, the advantages and disadvantages of TRT treatment, and non-testosterone therapy.

Tratamiento con testosterona en el hipogonadismo de inicio tardío / Late-Onset Hypogonadism Treatment with Testosterone

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso de la terapia de reemplazo con testosterona en hombres mayores se ha incrementado en los últimos años, lo que ha generado múltiples controversias aún no resueltas acerca de sus beneficios y riesgos potenciales, sobre todo los relacionados con el desarrollo o agravamiento de la enfermedad prostática o cardiovascular. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de ofrecer un estado de la cuestión que ayude a los médicos a tomar decisiones al considerar el tratamiento con testosterona en pacientes con hipogonadismo de inicio tardío. La búsqueda de información se realizó en las bases de datos Google Académico, Medline y Pubmed. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con testosterona en el hipogonadismo de inicio tardío es seguro, racional y basado en evidencia, pero no se recomienda ofrecerlo a todos los hombres mayores con niveles bajos de testosterona sérica. Se aconseja en aquellos con síntomas manifiestos de deficiencia androgénica, sin cáncer de próstata activo, de mama o hígado, hematocrito elevado, hiperplasia prostática benigna con síntomas obstructivos graves, nódulo o induración prostática no evaluada, antígeno prostático específico > 4 ng/mL (o > 3 ng/mL en pacientes con alto riesgo), apnea obstructiva del sueño severa no tratada, deseos de fertilidad a corto plazo, insuficiencia cardiaca no controlada, infarto agudo de miocardio o accidente cerebrovascular en los últimos SEIS meses o trombofilia. Se recomienda realizar monitoreo trimestral durante el primer año y luego según cada caso, que incluya evaluación de la respuesta clínica, de condiciones que pueden agravarse con el tratamiento y de parámetros de laboratorio(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of testosterone replacement therapy in older men has increased in recent years, which has generated multiple controversies not yet resolved about its benefits and potential risks, especially those related to the development or worsening of the prostate or cardiovascular disease. Methods: A literature review was conducted with the aim of offering a state of the art that helps clinicians make decisions when considering testosterone treatment in patients with late-onset hypogonadism. The information search was carried out with the Google Scholar, Medline and Pubmed search engines. Conclusions: Testosterone treatment in late-onset hypogonadism is safe, rational, and evidence-based, but it is not recommended to offer it to all older men with low serum testosterone levels. It is advised in those with overt symptoms of androgen deficiency, without active prostate, breast or liver cancer, elevated hematocrit, benign prostatic hyperplasia with severe obstructive symptoms, untested prostate nodule or induration, prostate specific antigen > 4 ng / mL (or > 3 ng / mL in high-risk patients), severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea, short-term fertility wishes, uncontrolled heart failure, acute myocardial infarction or stroke in the last SIX months, or thrombophilia. It is recommended to carry out quarterly monitoring during the first year and then according to each case, which includes evaluation of the clinical response, of conditions that can be aggravated by treatment, and of laboratory parameters(AU)

Testosterone Is a Contraceptive and Should Not Be Used in Men Who Desire Fertility

Testosterone has a variety of functions and is commonly used in older men to treat symptoms of hypogonadism, such as decreased libido, decreased mood and erectile dysfunction. Despite its positive effects on sexual function, it has a negative effect on fertility. Exogenous testosterone therapy can negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis and inhibit the production of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The purpose of this review is to discuss the contraceptive properties of testosterone therapy and to discuss strategies to increase testosterone in men with the desire to preserve fertility.

Elevated Body Mass Index Is Associated with Secondary Hypogonadism among Men Presenting to a Tertiary Academic Medical Center

PURPOSE: To characterize the population of hypogonadal men who presented to a tertiary academic urology clinic and evaluate risk factors for primary vs. secondary hypogonadism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated all men with International Classification of Diseases-9 diagnosis codes R68.82 and 799.81 for low libido, 257.2 for testicular hypofunction, and E29.1 for other testicular hypofunction at a tertiary academic medical center from 2013 to 2017. We included men who had testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) drawn on the same day. We classified men based on T and LH levels into eugonadal, primary, secondary, and compensated hypogonadism. Risk factors including age, body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2, current smoking status, alcohol use greater than 5 days per week, and Charlson comorbidity index greater than or equal to 1 were investigated and measured in each group using the eugonadal group for reference. RESULTS: Among the 231 men who had both T and LH levels, 7.4%, 42.4%, and 7.4% were classified as primary, secondary, and compensated hypogonadism, respectively. Only elevated BMI was associated with secondary hypogonadism compared to eugonadal men (median BMI, 30.93 kg/m2 vs. 27.69 kg/m2, p=0.003). BMI, age, comorbidities, smoking, or alcohol use did not appear to predict diagnosis of secondary hypogonadism. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary hypogonadism appears to be the most common cause of hypogonadism among men complaining of low T and decreased libido at a tertiary academic medical center. Secondary hypogonadism is associated with elevated BMI and therefore obesity should be used as a marker to evaluate men for both T and LH levels.

Effects of individualized testosterone replacement therapy on serum total testosterone and sex hormone levels in male patients with late-onset hypogonadism / 实用医学杂志

Objective To observe the effects of individualized testosterone replacement therapy on serum total testosterone(TT)and sex hormone in males with late-onset hypogonadism(LOH). Methods A total of 78 cases with LOH males were divided into group A(TT<8 nmol/L)and group B(8≤TT<11.5 nmol/L)according to the serum TT level,and the B group was randomly divided into the B1 group and the B2 group.They were given the individualized testosterone replacement therapy,and the treatment effect was compared among the 3 groups. Results After treatment,the SHBG level in the 3 groups was significantly reduced(P<0.05)whereas the serum TT level was significantly higher(P<0.05). The TT level in the B1 group was significantly higher than that in the B2 group(P ＜0.05). The levels of E2and FSH in the 3 groups were significantly lower(P ＜0.05)whereas the level of P was significantly higher(P ＜0.05). The ADAM scores in the 3 groups were significantly better than those before treatment(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the B1 group and the B2 group (P ＞0.05). There was no significant difference in the total incidence rate of adverse reactions between the group A and the other two groups(P ＞0.05),and the rate in the B2 group was lower than that in the B1 group(P <0.05). Conclusions In supplementary treatment of LOH,TT ＜8 nmol/L recommended to choose conventional dose,and 8≤TT<11.5 nmol/L can choose a small dose of testosterone.

Recovery of spermatogenesis following testosterone replacement therapy or anabolic-androgenic steroid use / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for hypogonadism continues to rise, particularly in younger men who may wish to remain fertile. Concurrently, awareness of a more pervasive use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) within the general population has been appreciated. Both TRT and AAS can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis resulting in diminution of spermatogenesis. Therefore, it is important that clinicians recognize previous TRT or AAS use in patients presenting for infertility treatment. Cessation of TRT or AAS use may result in spontaneous recovery of normal spermatogenesis in a reasonable number of patients if allowed sufficient time for recovery. However, some patients may not recover normal spermatogenesis or tolerate waiting for spontaneous recovery. In such cases, clinicians must be aware of the pathophysiologic derangements of the HPG axis related to TRT or AAS use and the pharmacologic agents available to reverse them. The available agents include injectable gonadotropins, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors, but their off-label use is poorly described in the literature, potentially creating a knowledge gap for the clinician. Reviewing their use clinically for the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and other HPG axis abnormalities can familiarize the clinician with the manner in which they can be used to recover spermatogenesis after TRT or AAS use.

Testosterone replacement therapy and monitoring for the male patients with testosterone deficiency syndrome

Since the elderly population has been increasing recently in our country, old male patients with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) with a significantly decreasing quality of life are becoming increasingly common. TDS in males is defined as a biochemical syndrome associated with advancing age and characterized by clinical manifestation and a deficiency in the serum testosterone level. These patients should be treated with extrinsic testosterone to improve quality of life. TDS in males should be diagnosed in the case of clinical manifestation with serum total testosterone 12 nmol/L (350 ng/dL). Products for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are administrated orally, transdermally, and through injectable preparations. Daily testosterone undecanoate is widely used for oral administration with good results and no hepatotoxicity. Short-acting intramuscular preparations are very effective but show wide swings in the resulting supra-physiological level of serum testosterone. Long-acting intramuscular preparations is also very effective and lasting for 3 months with normal physiologic levels. Many products for TRT on the market are effective and generally safe. However, those have a few significant adverse events each other. The ideal product should have notable effectsand few side effects, (such as selective androgen receptor modulators), be easy to administrate, maintain physiologic serum concentration, and be inexpensive. TDS in males can easily be correct by TRT. However, the advantages and disadvantages of the individual products and follow-up management of complicated adverse events should be understood before starting and maintaining TRT.

Câncer de próstata e testosterona: riscos e controvérsias: [revisão] / Prostate carcinoma and testosterone: risks and controversies: [review]

O hipogonadismo é uma síndrome clínica e bioquímica que pode estar associada a um prejuízo significativo na qualidade de vida (QoL) do homem. Com o aumento na expectativa de vida e sobrevida do câncer prostático (CaP), espera-se um número maior de diagnósticos de hipogonadismo em homens submetidos ao tratamento potencialmente curativo do CaP. Apesar da contraindicação clássica do emprego de terapia de reposição com testosterona (TRT) em homens com diagnóstico ou suspeita de CaP, não há evidência convincente de que a normalização dos níveis de testosterona séricos em homens com baixos níveis seja deletéria. Em poucas séries de casos que descreveram a TRT após o tratamento do CaP, não houve casos de progressão clínica ou bioquímica do tumor. Não obstante a literatura seja limitada, os dados disponíveis sugerem que a TRT pode ser considerada em homens hipogonádicos selecionados, previamente tratados curativamente para o CaP de baixo risco e sem evidência de doença ativa.

Hypogonadism is a clinical and biochemical syndrome which may cause significant detriment in the quality of life. With the increase in life expectancy and prostate cancer survival a significant increase in the number of men with hypogonadism who have undergone presumably curative treatment for PCa is anticipated. Despite the widespread contraindication of testosterone in men with known or suspected prostate cancer, there is no convincing evidence that the normalization of testosterone serum levels in men with low, but not castrate levels, is deleterious. Although further studies are necessary before definitive conclusions can be drawn, the available evidence suggests that testosterone replacement therapy can be cautiously considered in selected hypogonadal men treated with curative intent for low risk prostate cancer and without evidence of active disease.

Short term testosterone replacement therapy improves libido and body composition / Reposição de testosterona a curto prazo melhora libido e composição corporal

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement in males with late-onset hypogonadism compared to hypogonadal men without replacement, and controls, during six months. METHODS: We assessed, through ADAM, AMS, IIEF-5 and SF-36 questionnaires, and through clinical and laboratorial examinations, 62 patients divided into three groups: 17 hypogonadal males (HR) used intramuscular testosterone every three weeks; 14 hypogonadal males (HV) and 31 non-hypogonadal males (CV) used oral vitamins daily. RESULTS: When compared to others, HR group obtained libido improvement assessed by ADAM 1 (p = 0.004), and borderline sexual potency improvement assessed by IIEF-5 (p = 0.053), besides a decrease in waist circumference after eight weeks (p = 0.018). The remaining parameters did not differ between the groups. PSA and hematocrit remained stable in those using testosterone. CONCLUSION: Six months of testosterone replacement improved sexuality and body composition, with prostatic and hematological safety.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da reposição de testosterona em homens com hipogonadismo tardio comparados a hipogonádicos sem reposição e controles, durante seis meses. MÉTODOS: Mediante os questionários ADAM, AMS, IIEF-5 e SF-36, foram feitos exame clínico e laboratorial em 62 pacientes divididos em três grupos: 17 hipogonádicos (HR) usaram testosterona intramuscular a cada três semanas; 14 hipogonádicos (HV) e 31 não hipogonádicos (CV) usaram vitaminas via oral diariamente. RESULTADOS: Comparado aos demais, o grupo HR obteve melhora da libido avaliada pelo ADAM 1 (p = 0,004) e melhora limítrofe da potência sexual avaliada pelo IIEF-5 (p = 0.053), além de diminuição da cintura a partir da oitava semana (p = 0,018). Os demais parâmetros não foram diferentes entre os grupos. PSA e hematócrito se mantiveram estáveis nos que usaram testosterona. CONCLUSÃO: A reposição de testosterona durante seis meses melhorou a sexualidade e a composição corporal, com segurança prostática e hematológica.