Prostate-specific antigen testing in hypogonadism: implications for the safety of testosterone-replacement therapy.
Hypogonadal men have lower prostate volumes and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels than age-matched controls. When present, prostate cancer in hypogonadal men is more aggressive than in eugonadal men, and given the lack of specificity of PSA for diagnosing prostate cancer, a more accurate test would be desirable in hypogonadal men. Once testosterone-replacement therapy is started in hypogonadal men, PSA levels should be measured regularly; however, there is often an initial rise 3-6 months after starting treatment. A rise of >0.5 ng/mL within this time requires further investigation.
Gould
Duncan C
DC
Department of Urology, The Prostate Centre, London, UK. duncangould@hotmail.com
Feneley
Mark R
MR
Kirby
Roger S
RS
D000368:Aged; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013739:Testosterone; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen