When diagnosing male hypogonadism, clinical symptoms and biochemical evidence of low testosterone should be considered, along with variations in testosterone receptor sensitivity and other medical conditions.
The prevalence of male hypogonadism is estimated to be between 6 to 12%, and diagnosing the condition requires evaluating clinical signs, confirming low testosterone levels through specific lab tests, and considering the sensitivity of individuals to androgens.
Deep dives
Main Ideas
Male hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome resulting from low testosterone levels. Testosterone levels can vary throughout the day and should be measured between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in a fasted state. There are various forms of testosterone that can be measured, including total testosterone, free testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone. It is important to consider both clinical symptoms and biochemical evidence of low testosterone when diagnosing male hypogonadism. The interpretation of testosterone levels should also take into account the impact on physical health and well-being. Repeat testing may be necessary to confirm low testosterone levels, and the cutoff for low testosterone varies among different societies. Other medical conditions and variations in testosterone receptor sensitivity should be considered when evaluating low testosterone levels.
Understanding male hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism is a condition characterized by low levels of testosterone in men. The prevalence of male hypogonadism is estimated to be between 6 to 12%, with congenital and acquired disorders being the known causes. Diagnosing male hypogonadism requires evaluating clinical signs and symptoms, as well as confirming low testosterone levels through specific lab tests. However, there is still no agreed-upon lower limit for testosterone levels, making it challenging to determine the sensitivity of individuals to androgens.
Treatment and monitoring of male hypogonadism
The treatment of male hypogonadism aims to recover and maintain secondary sex characteristics, as well as relieve symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the primary treatment option, but careful consideration of risks and benefits is necessary. Monitoring the levels of testosterone, hematocrit, and other relevant biomarkers is important for assessing treatment effectiveness and ensuring safety. While TRT can be beneficial for individuals with hypogonadism, it is not a panacea and should be used judiciously based on individual diagnosis and evaluation.
On this week's podcast, Drs. Baraki and Feigenbaum discuss testosterone replacement therapy.
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References:
The Endocrine Society 2018 Guidelines
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/5/1715/4939465
Variance
https://sandpit.bmj.com/graphics/2020/resultsmayvary/
Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29562364/
Prevalence
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9136962/
Cognitive Benefit Appraisal
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27377542/
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