Treatment of Male Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism refers to deficiency of testosterone and spermatogenesis. Primary testicular failure is referred to as hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, where the testosterone levels are low and gonadotropins are appropriately elevated. Secondary or tertiary (hypogonadotropic) hypogonadism results from reduced secretion of gonadotropins (GnRH deficiency), and the LH and FSH levels are inappropriately low or normal with low testosterone levels. Differential diagnoses for hypogonadism are listed (see Tables 1 and 2). The clinical characteristics of testosterone deficiency are summarized in Table 3.^3,4

Diagnostic Evaluation
Measurement of 08:00h serum total testosterone levels29 is an initial test used to diagnose hypogonadism. The measurement of total testosterone can be altered in conditions that affect the levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): obesity, nephrotic syndrome, glucocorticoids, aging, cirrhosis, anti-convulsant use, and others.⁴ In these conditions measurement of free or bioavailable testosterone may be helpful. Testosterone levels are affected by illness, and a diagnosis should not be made during acute illness.³ FSH and LH levels help to distinguish between primary and secondary hypogonadism. Further work to elucidate the causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism should be pursued (karyotype, prolactin levels, iron profile, other pituitary hormones, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary if indicated).

Goals of Treatment
Testosterone replacement should be given in doses sufficient to approach normal physiological serum concentrations of testosterone and its active metabolites and to avoid adverse effects on the prostate, serum lipids, cardiovascular system, liver, and lung function.⁵

Indications for Treatment

• Low serum testosterone concentration, plus signs and symptoms of hypogonadism.
• Low bone mineral density with hypogonadism.
• Indications may also include increasing lean body mass and decreasing fat mass and improving energy and mood.

Evidence of Beneficial Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

• Improved libido and erectile function: Testosterone replacement has been shown to improve libido, frequency of sexual activity, and erectile dysfunction.⁶
• Improved mood: It has also been associated with improved mood, energy, and verbal fluency.^7,8
• Changes in body composition: Testosterone replacement therapy has been associated with increased lean body mass, decreased body fat,9 increase in muscle mass,10 increased fat free mass, and decreased fat mass.^11–20
• Increase in muscle strength: Bhasin et al.²⁶ found that T supplementation for 16 weeks in 61 hypogonadal, HIV-infected men aged 18–50 years resulted in increases in muscle volume and strength, whether accompanied by resistance training or not. However, a recent study suggested that replacing testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) in men with baseline mid to high normal levels has little benefit on physical performance and potentially increases risk of side effects.²⁵
• Increase in bone mineral density (BMD) but no data on fracture risk: Testosterone replacement has been associated with improvement of trabecular and cortical bone density of the spine in younger and older hypogonadal men.²⁹
• Cardiovascular effects: A recent meta-analysis concluded that there is weak evidence to suggest that testosterone use in men with baseline low testosterone levels is not associated with important cardiovascular effects.²⁸

Testosterone Replacement
Daily output of testosterone is about 4–7mg, with the concentrations being higher in the morning and lower in the evening²² (see Table 4). There are a variety of formulations on the market, listed below.

Oral Preparations
The first orally active, synthesized derivative of T was 17-á-methyl-T. Blood levels peak at 1.5–2 hours and serum half-life is about 150 minutes, indicating the need for several daily doses to maintain therapeutic levels. Side effects include cholestasis, peliosis, elevation of liver enzymes, and reduction of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.⁵ Fluoxymesterone is a 17- alpha-methyl testosterone steroid with fluorine in the 9-position and is longer acting than its parent steroid, but is limited by hepatotoxicity.⁵ Mesterolone is derived from 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone with a methyl group in the 1-position. It is not hepatotoxic, but relatively large doses must be taken several times a day and dosing is difficult to monitor. Testosterone undecanoate is an esterified form of testosterone, which is absorbed by lymphatics, by-passing the portal system. Serum testosterone levels tend to vary within the same individual. An advantage is oral administration, but it is not yet available in the US.

Intramuscular Preparations
Two widely used formulations of testosterone esters are testosterone cypionate and enanthate. Testosterone esters lengthen the retention and duration of activity of the drug. Commonly used regimens are administration of 200mg of testosterone enanthate or cypionate once every two weeks intramuscular (IM) or 100mg weekly. Serum testosterone concentrations are supranormal initially and decline to the lower range of normal by the end of two weeks. The advantages of this formulation are that they are inexpensive (if self-administered) and allow flexibility of dosing. The disadvantages are that it is an IM injection and symptoms of energy and libido may vary depending on the serum levels of testosterone. A testosterone undecanoate injection, when given in doses of 1000mg IM, maintains normal testosterone levels in the majority of patients.³ It requires infrequent administration but a large volume (4ml) in each injection.

Transdermal Preparations Trans-scrotal Testosterone
Scrotal patches deliver approximately 4–6 mg of testosterone daily.³⁰ Normal androgen concentrations were achieved in 80% of hypogonadal men.⁵ Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels are elevated and scrotal shaving is necessary for optimal adherence of the patch. Non-scrotal Testosterone
The available formulation is Androderm®. One to two patches a day deliver approximately 5–10mg of testosterone and restore physiological ranges of testosterone, DHT, and estradiol. Advantages are ease of application and lesser rise of hemoglobin than injectable esters. Chronic contact dermatitis (mainly from the alcohol component) occurs in about 10% of hypogonadal men after several weeks of use of Androderm®. Two drops of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide cream applied to the skin under the central drug reservoir reduces contact dermatitis and itching without significantly affecting testosterone delivery or adrenal function.⁵

Testosterone Gel
Available formulations are Androgel® and Testim®. Packets weighing 5, 7.5, or 10gm contain 50mg, 75mg, or 100mg of testosterone (with systemic absorption of 5mg, 7.5mg, or 10mg, respectively). On average, about 10% of the applied dose is absorbed across the skin, producing physiological ranges of testosterone in blood. Steady-state levels are achieved by the second or third day of dosing. Estradiol concentrations are maintained in the physiological range, but the DHT levels are higher than normal range.³ The advantages are ease of administration and good skin tolerability. However, there is potential for transfer of testosterone to partner by direct skin–skin contact. This can be avoided by using a barrier, such as a shirt, to cover the application site.⁵

Buccal Preparation
The available formulation is Striant®, which provides 30mg controlled-release used twice daily. It is applied to the depression in the gum above the upper incisors and releases testosterone into the peripheral circulation. T and DHT are normalized. Gum-related adverse effects occur in 16.3% of treated men.³²

Induction of Fertility by using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism desiring fertility, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) alone or in combination with human menopausal gonatotropins (hMG) can be used to induce spermatogenesis and fertility.²³ Since hMG is expensive, hCG is the initial therapy. hCG can be given IM 1,000–2,000 units two to three times per week. Testosterone levels and sperm counts can be monitored to reach normal levels. Sperm counts lower than normal can be sufficient to induce fertility in such circumstances. If spermatogenesis/induction of fertility have not occurred after 6–12 months, hMG can be added to the regimen at doses of 75 international units (IU) IM three times a week.²³ This can be increased to 150 IU three times a week in six months, if desired results have not occurred.

Side Effects

• Erythrocytosis: This has been associated with testosterone replacement therapy, but transdermal preparations tend to have fewer cases of polycythemia compared with testosterone enanthate injections. Erythrocytosis is correlated with elevated bioavailable testosterone and estradiol levels.²²
• Acne and oily skin.
• Growth of undiagnosed prostate cancer.
• Azoospermia: When used as a means of male contraception, exogenous testosterone induces azoospermia within 10 weeks of therapy. Fertility after cessation of therapy has also been reported.^17,18
• Changes in lipid profile: A recent meta-analysis showed that there were insignificant changes in low-density lipoprotein and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels after replacement of testosterone in men with low to low-normal testosterone.²⁸
• Gynecomastia.
• Worsening of benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH) symptoms: A recent study of men with BPH treated with dutasteride (5 á-reductase inhibitor) suggested that BPH can occur in men considered to be hypogonadal as high levels of 5-reductase and dihydrotestosterone in the prostate allow the development and progression of prostatic hyperplasia, even at low circulating testosterone levels.²⁷
• Growth of breast cancer.
• New onset or worsening of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Hepatotoxicity (oral preparations).
• Fluctuation of hypogonadal symptoms (IM preparations).
• Dermatitis (transdermal preparations).
• Potential partner testosterone transfer (gels).
• Gum irritation (buccal preparation).

Contraindications

• Prostate cancer.
• Breast cancer.
• Undiagnosed prostate nodule.
• Unexplained prostate-specific antigen (PSA) elevation.
• Erythrocytosis.
• Unstable severe congestive heart failure (class III or IV).

Monitoring

• Periodic symptomatic evaluation: Three months after beginning treatment and then annually.
• Serum testosterone levels: These can be taken 3–12hrs after applications of patch, at least a week after being on testosterone gel, and midway between injectable preparations. The goal is to maintain testosterone in the mid-normal range.
• Hemotocrit (HCT) should be checked at baseline, three months, and then annually. A patient with an HCT >55% should be evaluated for hypoxia, sleep apnea, or reduction of testosterone dosage.
• Bone mineral density measurement by dual X-ray absorptiometry should be considered one-to-two years after initiating treatment in patients with low bone mineral density.
• Digital rectal exams (DREs) and PSA level at baseline, three months, and then annually; an abnormal DRE, PSA level >4ng/ml, or increase of >1.4ng/ml warrants urological evaluation.
• Evaluated side effects related to different preparations, as detailed in the side effects section.
• Lipid profile: There are no specific recommendations for monitoring the lipid profile, but it may be considered annually, as there are some reports of significant reduction of high-density lipoprotein associated with physiological replacement of testosterone.²⁰