Treatment with testosterone
Treatment with Gonadotrophine replacement therapy for the return of fertility due to secondary hypogonadism
Treatment consists the provision of adequate and convenient and safe androgen substitution. Although the patient with primary hypogonadism does not become fertile in endocrine therapy, the patient with secondary hypogonadism often becomes fertile when treated with gonadotropins. The testosterone formulations discussed here are those available in the United States. Other formulations may be available in other countries.
Replacement therapy with testosterone
exogenous testosterone disrupts spermatogenesis, testosterone replacement therapy should be avoided, if possible, in secondary hypogonadism or when subsequent fertility represent a concern (except in cases of primary irreversible testicular failure). The treatment of secondary hypogonadism in boys undergoing gonadotropin replacement therapy (Male Hypogonadism: Treatment of Infertility Due to Hypogonadism) usually stimulates androgen production and spermatogenesis.Replacement therapy with testosterone can be used in men who
Have no signs of puberty
Are close to 15 years olde
Excluded secondary hypogonadism
we can be given long-acting testosterone enanthate 50 mg IM once a month for 4 to 8 months. These low doses lead to some degree of virilization without restricting adult size. Older adolescents with testosterone deficiency receive long-acting testosterone enanthate or cypionate at a dosage increased gradually over 18 to 24 months from 50 to 100 to 200 mg IM q 1 to 2 weeks. Transcutaneous gel can also be used, although it is more expensive, it can be used during intercourse and is more difficult to dose. It is possible to prescribe older testosterone gel in adult doses when their IM dose has reached the equivalent of 100 to 200 mg q 2 weeks.
In case of established testosterone deficiency of the adult, a replacement therapy may be beneficial. Treatment slows the progression of osteopenia, muscle loss, vasomotor instability, decreased libido, depression and sometimes erectile dysfunction. The effects of testosterone on coronary artery disease are not well understood. Replacement therapy with testosterone can improve coronary arterial blood flow and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease; however, there are concerns that substitution therapy with testosterone increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Options for substitution therapy include
Testosterone gel 1% or 1.62% (5 to 10 g of gel daily to provide 5 to 10 mg of testosterone daily)
Axillary transdermal solution (60 mg once daily)
A lozenge on the oral mucosa (30 mg bid)
Transdermal testosterone patch (4 mg once daily)
A new nasal formulation (a 5.5 mg spray in each nostril tid)
Subcutaneous testosterone implants (75 mg / implant) administered by 4 to 6 units placed q 3-6 months
Eanthate or testosterone cypionate IM (100 mg q q days or 200 mg q 10 to 14 days)
Testosterone gel maintains physiological blood levels more uniform than other treatments, but IM or transcutaneous (patch) pathways are sometimes used because of their lower cost. Oral formulations are absorbed unpredictably.
The potential side effects of testosterone and its analogues include
Erythrocytosis (especially in men ≥ 50 years old receiving IM testosterone)
Venous thromboembolism unrelated to polycythemia
Acne
gynecomastia
Low sperm count
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