title: Current topics in testosterone replacement of hypogonadal men.
abstract: All forms of hypogonadism - primary, secondary and late-onset - require testosterone substitution. The indication is given when the patient presents with symptoms of androgen deficiency and the serum testosterone levels are below normal. Several testosterone preparations and modes of application are available of which those producing physiologic serum levels should be preferred e.g. preferentially transdermal gels and long-acting intramuscular testosterone undecanoate. Testosterone substitution must be monitored at regular intervals, best at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiation and then annually. Parameters for surveillance include well-being, libido and sexual activity, measurement of serum testosterone levels, haemoglobin and haematocrit, PSA and digital rectal examination, and, biannually, bone mineral density. Testosterone has positive effects on comorbidities such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes type II, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospitals, Münster, Germany; Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: Eberhard.Nieschlag@ukmuenster.de.
authors.forename: Eberhard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nieschlag
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone; C010792:testosterone undecanoate
keywords: cardiovascular disease; diabetes mellitus; late-onset hypogonadiam; metabolic syndrome; osteoporosis; primary hypogonadism; secondary hypogonadism; sexual function; testosterone preparations; testosterone substitution