Testosterone therapy: where do the latest guidelines agree and differ? Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2020 Dec;27(6):397-403
Date
10/13/2020Pubmed ID
33044244DOI
10.1097/MED.0000000000000581Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85094932644 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The incidence of testosterone deficiency and number of men on testosterone therapy (TTh) has increased significantly over the past 3 decades. This rise has been accompanied by controversies surrounding the indications and possible adverse effects of therapy. To better inform prescribing habits among providers, many major medical associations have devised guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency. While these guidelines agree in many areas, there are some key differences that should be identified. This review will explore the similarities, differences, and rationale for these guidelines.
RECENT FINDINGS: Over the past 7 years, much attention has been devoted to the implications of TTh on cardiac health. All reviewed guidelines include dedicated sections discussing these implications and the society's position on prescribing testosterone considering recent findings, however, differ on specific contraindications to TTh and when to initiate therapy after a cardiovascular event. In addition, the American College of Physicians released its first guideline earlier this year which may impact prescribing habits among primary care physicians.
SUMMARY: The differences between testosterone deficiency guidelines may indicate gaps in our knowledge of testosterone deficiency and focuses of future research efforts. Prescribers should be aware of these differences and discuss all treatment options with their patients.
Author List
Pelzman DL, Hwang KAuthor
Daniel Pelzman MD Instructor in the Urologic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AndrologyEndocrinology
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Humans
Hypogonadism
Male
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Testosterone
