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The practical management of testosterone deficiency in men

Nature Reviews Urology volume 12, pages 641–650 (2015)Cite this article

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Abstract

Despite increased global interest in testosterone deficiency in men and its treatment with testosterone therapy, practical aspects of care remain confusing to many practitioners. Testosterone deficiency can result from testicular dysfunction (primary hypogonadism) or hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction (secondary hypogonadism), and be congenital or acquired. Sexual and nonsexual symptoms of testosterone deficiency can negatively affect quality of life and cause considerable general health concerns. Investigation of testosterone deficiency should be undertaken in men with symptoms of reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue, poor concentration, and poor memory. Total and free testosterone are the most frequently used tests and evaluating serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone aids determination of primary versus secondary testosterone deficiency. Multiple formulations of testosterone therapy are available, but symptomatic benefits might not manifest for several weeks to many months; long-acting formulations are convenient and improve compliance. Concerns regarding cardiovascular and prostate cancer risks are not supported by current evidence, monitoring during therapy is mandatory. On balance, testosterone therapy can be considered a safe and effective treatment for testosterone deficiency.

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Figure 1: Symptoms and signs suggestive of testosterone deficiency in men.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy

    Antonio Aversa

  2. Men's Health Boston, 200 Boylston Street, A309, Chestnut Hill, 02647, MA, USA

    Abraham Morgentaler

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  1. Antonio Aversa
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Both authors researched the data for the article, provided substantial contributions to discussion of content, wrote the article, reviewed and edited it before its submission.

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Correspondence to Antonio Aversa.

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Competing interests

A.A. has received speaker's honoraria from Bayer, Eli-Lilly and Menarini. A.M. has been on the scientific advisory board or worked as a consultant for AbbVie Inc., Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Clarus Therapeutics, Endo Pharmaceuticals, and TesoRx, has received research funding from Antares Pharma, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lipocine Inc. and Eli Lilly and has received lecture honoraria from Bayer and Pfizer, he also owns stock as a cofounder of MHB Labs, LLC

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Aversa, A., Morgentaler, A. The practical management of testosterone deficiency in men. Nat Rev Urol 12, 641–650 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2015.238

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