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Eisenberg ML, Esteves SC, Lamb DJ, Hotaling JM, Giwercman A, Hwang K, Cheng YS. Male infertility. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:49. [PMID: 37709866 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Clinical infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of trying. Male factors are estimated to contribute to 30-50% of cases of infertility. Infertility or reduced fertility can result from testicular dysfunction, endocrinopathies, lifestyle factors (such as tobacco and obesity), congenital anatomical factors, gonadotoxic exposures and ageing, among others. The evaluation of male infertility includes detailed history taking, focused physical examination and selective laboratory testing, including semen analysis. Treatments include lifestyle optimization, empirical or targeted medical therapy as well as surgical therapies that lead to measurable improvement in fertility. Although male infertility is recognized as a disease with effects on quality of life for both members of the infertile couple, fewer data exist on specific quantification and impact compared with other health-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Dolores J Lamb
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Kathleen Hwang
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Jiang T, Sigalos JT, Osadchiy V, Santamaria A, Zheng MH, Modiri N, Regets KV, Mills JN, Eleswarapu SV. Temporal Changes of Clomiphene on Testosterone Levels and Semen Parameters in Subfertile Men. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:198-203. [PMID: 35791301 PMCID: PMC9826904 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clomiphene citrate (CC) is prescribed off-label in men to improve testosterone and sperm parameters, but the duration of treatment needed to reach maximal benefit remains unclear. Our objective was to examine temporal effects of CC on total testosterone (TT) and semen analysis (SA) using longitudinal follow-up data in treated men. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed an IRB-approved database of men treated with CC (25 mg q.d. or 50 mg q.o.d.) from January 2016 through May 2021. We identified patients with 3, 6, 9, and 12 month follow-up data for TT and 3, 6, and 9 month follow-up SA. Mean absolute changes in TT and sperm concentration compared to baseline were calculated, along with 95% confidence intervals. Men with prior genitourinary procedures or hormone therapy were excluded. Paired t-tests were used to compare TT and sperm concentration at each time point to baseline (alpha=0.05). RESULTS One hundered thirty-four men received CC, mean age 37.7 years (SD 6.7, range 24-52). TT at all follow-ups (3, 6, 9, and 12 months) were available for 25 men, and SA at 3, 6, and 9 months for 26 men. Baseline TT was 358±145 ng/dL and sperm concentration was 13±17.2 M/mL. Significant improvement in TT was identified at 3 months (62.7 ng/dL, 95% CI: 0.49-125.0, p=0.048), additional benefit at 6 months (181.8 ng/dL, 95% CI: 114.1-249.5, p<0.01), and plateau at 9 and 12 months. Improvement in sperm concentration was first observed at 9 months (20.7 M/mL, 95% CI: 10.2-31.2, p<0.01). Semen volume and sperm motility did not change. CONCLUSIONS Duration of treatment with clomiphene may impact testosterone and sperm concentration, and the historical 3 month milestone may be insufficient for clinical and research evaluation. Men taking CC may experience plateau in TT at 6 months and first benefit in sperm concentration at 9 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Jiang
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John T. Sigalos
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vadim Osadchiy
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alvaro Santamaria
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael H. Zheng
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neilufar Modiri
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith V. Regets
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse N. Mills
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sriram V. Eleswarapu
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Dobs AS, Campbell KJ. An Individualized Approach to Managing Testosterone Therapy in the Primary Care Setting. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:7719-7733. [PMID: 36238539 PMCID: PMC9552794 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s364189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of testosterone deficiency and the use of testosterone therapy have increased in recent years, and currently the majority of testosterone prescriptions in the United States and Canada are written by primary care physicians. Meanwhile, the range of available testosterone therapy formulations has widened to include buccal tablets, intramuscular injections, transdermal gels, intranasal gel, subcutaneous injections, oral capsules, and subdermal pellets, each with unique pharmacokinetic and clinical characteristics. Despite the growing use of testosterone therapy and its overall efficacy and safety as demonstrated in clinical trials, concerns exist about the potential impact of testosterone therapy on spermatogenesis and fertility, development of prostate cancer, and risk of polycythemia and cardiovascular events. In addition, ongoing research aims to better characterize the effects of testosterone therapy in specific populations, such as patients aged 65 years and older, patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and transgender patients. The range of treatment options and the diversity of patients' goals, preferences, comorbidities, and risk factors necessitate an individualized approach to testosterone therapy that considers each patient's clinical needs alongside the distinct features of different testosterone formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Sandra Dobs
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Pope HG, Kanayama G. Body Image Disorders and Anabolic Steroid Withdrawal Hypogonadism in Men. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2022; 51:205-216. [PMID: 35216717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypogonadism commonly occurs during withdrawal from anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use, particularly when users have been taking AAS for prolonged periods. Mounting evidence now suggests that AAS-induced hypogonadism may persist for months or even years after last AAS use, and in some cases may be partially or completely irreversible. Treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin and clomiphene may help to restore hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis function, and these substances are widely used illicitly by AAS users at the end of a course of AAS as so-called postcycle therapy. Many endocrinologists still have only limited experience in diagnosing and treating AAS-induced hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison G Pope
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gen Kanayama
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Hypogonadism can be present in up to 40% in men who present with couple infertility. Testosterone is the major androgen regulating-spermatogenesis in men; as a result, men with either primary or secondary hypogonadism may be subfertile because of impaired spermatogenesis. The clinical impact of hypogonadism on fertility potential depends on the timing of its onset (fetal, prepubertal, or postpubertal) and effect on semen parameters. Treatment pathways and success rates differ according to the cause of hypogonadism and the time of its onset. When medical therapy fails to induce sufficient sperm, assisted reproductive technologies are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoleta Papanikolaou
- Section of Investigative Medicine Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rong Luo
- Section of Investigative Medicine Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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Huang W. The roles of aromatase inhibitors in treating hypogonadism and male infertility. UROLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/uros.uros_28_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Yang C, Li P, Li Z. Clinical application of aromatase inhibitors to treat male infertility. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:30-50. [PMID: 34871401 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility affects 15% of men and contributes to nearly half of all cases of infertility. Infertile men usually have impaired spermatogenesis, presenting as azoospermia or various degrees of asthenospermia and oligozoospermia. Spermatogenesis is a complex and coordinated process, which is under precise modulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. An aberrant hormone profile, especially an imbalance between testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), plays an essential role in male infertility. In the male, E2 is produced mainly from the conversion of T by the aromatase enzyme. Theoretically, reducing an abnormally elevated T:E2 ratio using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) could restore the balance between T and E2 and optimize the HPG axis to support spermatogenesis. For decades, AIs have been used to treat male infertility empirically. However, owing to the lack of large-scale randomized controlled studies and basic research, the treatment efficacy and safety of AIs in male infertility remain controversial. Therefore, there is a need to summarize the clinical trials and relevant basic research on the application of AIs in the treatment of male infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this narrative review, we summarized the application of AIs in the treatment of male infertility, including the pharmacological mechanisms involved, clinical trials focused on patients with different types of infertility, factors affecting treatment efficacy and the side-effects. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE, focusing on publications in the past four decades concerning the use of AIs for treating male infertility. The search terms included AI, male infertility, letrozole, anastrozole, testolactone, azoospermia, oligozoospermia, aromatase polymorphisms, obesity and antiestrogens, in various combinations. OUTCOMES Clinical studies demonstrate that AIs, especially nonsteroidal letrozole and anastrozole, could significantly inhibit the production of E2 and its negative feedback on the HPG axis, resulting in increased T and FSH production as well as improved semen parameters in infertile men. Large-scale surveys suggest that obesity may result in symptoms of hypogonadism in both fertile and infertile males, such as decreased semen quality and attenuated sexual function, which can be improved by AIs treatment. Polymorphisms of the aromatase gene CYP19A1, including single nucleotide polymorphisms and tetranucleotide TTTA repeats polymorphism (TTTAn), also influence hormone profiles, semen quality and treatment efficacy of AIs in male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility. The side-effects of AIs in treating male infertility are various, but most are mild and well tolerated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The application of AIs in treating male infertility has been off-label and empirical for decades. This narrative review has summarized the target patients, dose, treatment duration and side-effects of AIs. Polymorphisms of CYP19A1 that may affect AIs treatment efficacy were also summarized, but a full understanding of the mechanisms involved in AIs action requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Salvio G, Martino M, Giancola G, Arnaldi G, Balercia G. Hypothalamic-Pituitary Diseases and Erectile Dysfunction. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2551. [PMID: 34207687 PMCID: PMC8229897 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several hormones contribute to ensure penile erection, a neurovascular phenomenon in which nitric oxide plays a major role. Erectile dysfunction (ED), which is defined as the persistent inability to obtain or maintain penile erection sufficient for a satisfactory sexual performance, may be due to arteriogenic, neurogenic, iatrogenic, but also endocrinological causes. The hypothalamus-pituitary axis plays a central role in the endocrine system and represents a fundamental link between the brain and peripheral glands, including gonads. Therefore, the hormonal production of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis can control various aspects of sexual function and its dysregulation can compromise erectile function. In addition, excess and deficiency of pituitary hormones or metabolic alterations that are associated with some pituitary diseases (e.g., Cushing's disease and acromegaly, hypopituitarism) can determine the development of ED with different mechanisms. Thus, the present review aimed to explore the relationship between hypothalamic and pituitary diseases based on the most recent clinical and experimental evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmaria Salvio
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, Umberto I Hospital, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (M.M.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (G.B.)
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9
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[Testicular sperm extraction in male infertility : Indications, success rates, practical implementation, and possible complications]. Urologe A 2021; 60:921-931. [PMID: 33660059 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-021-01480-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unwanted childlessness is a burden on a couple's relationship. The therapeutic spectrum of male infertility has increased significantly in recent years so that even azoospermia patients can be given biological paternity by testicular sperm extraction (TESE). OBJECTIVES The indications, success rates, practical implementation, and possible complications of conventional and microscopic TESE in male infertility are presented in this review. METHODS A nonsystematic search of the relevant literature was carried out. RESULTS In obstructive azoospermia (OA), primarily desobstructive surgical procedures are used, while TESE is the surgical procedure of choice in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). In the latter, sperm extraction can be performed conventionally or microscopically (mTESE) assisted, whereby the latter offers an advantage in terms of sperm detection rate in the case of small testicular volumes (<12 ml), chemotherapy, Klinefelter's disease and AZFc microdeletions. The sperm detection rate of TESE is about 50%. Postoperative controls are useful because of the possible induction of symptomatic hypogonadism. CONCLUSION Before performing TESE, determining the hormone status and human genetic clarification are necessary. Any costs incurred and the possibility of missing sperm proof must be discussed. Close cooperation between andrologists, gynecologists, reproductive physicians, and human geneticists is necessary. All in all, TESE is a safe surgical procedure with a low complication rate.
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Thaker H, Ko EY, Sabanegh ES, Brannigan RE, Alukal JP, Samplaski MK. Empirical medical therapy for idiopathic male infertility. F S Rep 2020; 1:15-20. [PMID: 34223207 PMCID: PMC8244321 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine if there has been a change in empirical medical therapy (EMT) practices since a 2010 American Urological Association survey reported that 25% of urologists treated infertile men who were pursuing a pregnancy with testosterone (T). Design Survey-based cohort study of AUA members. Setting Practice patterns were evaluated of urologists in academic and nonacademic hospital centers. Patient(s) Practice patterns were evaluated in the treatment of men with idiopathic infertility. Interventions(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Subgroup analysis by means of univariate analysis between means (Fisher exact test) and descriptive proportions was used to compare male infertility fellowship–trained urologists (RUs) to general urologists (non-RUs). Result(s) A total of 191 urologists responded (4.7%). Excluding trainees, 164 responses (85.9%) were analyzed: 134 (82.3%) were from non-RUs and 29 from (17.7%) RUs. Over all, 65.9% treated male infertility with a combination of EMT and surgery (93.1% of RU vs. 60.4% of non-RUs). The most common medications used by RUs were clomiphene (100%), anastrozole (85.7%), and hCG/LH (82.1%). Non-RUs used these less frequently. Overall, 24.4% of the urologists reported that they would use T to treat male infertility: 14.4% (n = 4) of RUs and 24.4% (n = 30) of non-RUs. Conclusion(s) A total of 65.9% of urologists would treat male infertility with the use of EMT and surgery. The most common EMTs were clomiphene, anastrozole, and hCG/LH. Of concern, 24.4% of urologists considered T to treat male infertility, a medication with known contraceptive potential. This is unchanged from the 2010 survey, and confirms the need for reproductive medicine guidelines that include the topic of EMT use in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatim Thaker
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edmund Y Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | | | | | - Joseph P Alukal
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Mary K Samplaski
- Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Keihani S, Alder NJ, Cheng PJ, Stoddard GJ, Pastuszak AW, Hotaling JM. Obesity and Baseline Estradiol Levels Are Independent Predictors for Initiation of Anastrozole in Hypogonadal Men on Clomiphene Citrate. World J Mens Health 2020; 38:582-590. [PMID: 32202084 PMCID: PMC7502320 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.190160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the conversion rate from clomiphene citrate (CC) monotherapy to combination CC+anastrozole (AZ) therapy in hypogonadal men and the predictors associated with the initiation of AZ. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of records from hypogonadal men treated with CC in a single fertility center was performed from 2013 to 2018. Patient age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and reproductive hormones were obtained at baseline. Obesity was defined as BMI≥30 kg/m². Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of switching to combination CC+AZ therapy. RESULTS A total of 318 men on CC were included. Median (interquartile range) age was 34 years (30-39 years) and patients were followed for a median of 9 months (4-17 months). Of these, 97 (30.5%) were started on CC+AZ therapy. These patients had higher baseline BMI and estradiol, which in multivariable regression were significant predictors for switching to CC+AZ therapy. A threshold of 18.5 pg/mL for baseline estradiol provided the highest accuracy for predicting the addition of AZ after adjusting for baseline BMI and total testosterone levels. CONCLUSIONS In our practice, following CC monotherapy, 30% of men were initiated on CC+AZ. Obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m²) and baseline estradiol ≥18.5 pg/mL can predict the conversion to combination therapy with addition of AZ. This information can be used to counsel patients and also help to identify patients who can be started on combination therapy upfront.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorena Keihani
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Nathan J Alder
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Philip J Cheng
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gregory J Stoddard
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Cohen J, Nassau DE, Patel P, Ramasamy R. Low Testosterone in Adolescents & Young Adults. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:916. [PMID: 32063884 PMCID: PMC6966696 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Male hypogonadism, the clinical syndrome with variable symptoms associated with gonadal dysfunction, can affect men of all ages. In older males, physiologic changes of the aging testis, account for the majority of decreased testosterone levels in this population. For younger males and adolescents, the etiology of hypogonadism is commonly due to congenital or acquired conditions that disrupt the testis production of testosterone or signaling from the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Diagnosis of hypogonadism in younger males can be a challenge, as symptoms such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, common in the older men, are not usually present, and young men instead commonly complain of low energy. While an underlying congenital cause should always be considered in young men with hypogonadism, acquired conditions such as obesity, diabetes, anabolic steroid or illicit drug use have all been associated with low testosterone levels. Outside of modifying identifiable risk factors for hypogonadism, pharmacologic testosterone therapy can also lead to therapeutic dilemmas in young men who desire paternity. Topical or injectable administration of testosterone, through negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary, can decrease spermatogenesis, posing an infertility risk. Other agents that can replace testosterone or increase the body's natural production of testosterone without decreasing spermatogenesis are preferred, such as intranasal testosterone, selective estrogen modulators, aromatase inhibitors or human-chorionic gonadotrophin, often used in combination. Clinicians must maintain a high level of suspicion to properly diagnose young men with hypogonadism and tailor treatment based on both the underlying etiology and fertility goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Cohen
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Jordan Cohen
| | - Daniel E. Nassau
- Department of Urology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York, NY, United States
| | - Premal Patel
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Masterson T, Molina M, Ibrahim E, Ramasamy R. Natesto Effects on Reproductive Hormones and Semen Parameters: Results from an Ongoing Single-center, Investigator-initiated Phase IV Clinical Trial. Eur Urol Focus 2018; 4:333-335. [PMID: 30177402 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Promising initial data from our perspective clinical trial demonstrates that Natesto can not only increase serum testosterone but also maintain follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and importantly, semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Molina
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Emad Ibrahim
- Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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