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The Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: the New Frontier in Urology and Men’s Health

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Abstract

Testosterone deficiency (TD) is a common clinical condition that causes sexual and non-sexual symptoms. Low serum concentrations of testosterone also predict significant health outcomes, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and increased mortality. Treatment with testosterone therapy (TTh) effectively improves symptoms, and also has a positive impact on body composition and bone density. Since there is no serum testosterone value that reliably identifies men who will respond to treatment from those who will not, healthcare providers must exercise clinical judgment in making the diagnosis of TD. Multiple formulations of TTh are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Overall, TTh is relatively safe but the risks, such as erythrocytosis, makes long-term monitoring mandatory. The evidence does not support concerns regarding cardiovascular and prostate cancer risks.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. William P. Conners, III received consultancies from Auxillium, Glaxo Smith Klein, Endo Pharmaceuticals, and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Abraham Morgentaler received consultancies from Auxillium and Antares. Dr. Morgentaler received grants from GSK, Lilly, Antares, and Auxillium and honoraria from Bayer. Dr. Morgentaler had travel/accommodations expenses covered or reimbursed by Bayer and Auxillium.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Men’s Health Boston, Harvard Medical School, One Brookline Place, Suite 624, Brookline, MA, 02445, USA

    William P. Conners III & Abraham Morgentaler

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  1. William P. Conners III
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Correspondence to Abraham Morgentaler.

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Conners, W.P., Morgentaler, A. The Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: the New Frontier in Urology and Men’s Health. Curr Urol Rep 14, 557–564 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-013-0370-5

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