Adult Male Hypogonadism: A Laboratory Medicine Perspective on Its Diagnosis and Management
December 2023
in “
Diagnostics
”
Studysummary This review discussed the variability in measuring serum testosterone levels and emphasized the need for standardizing testing and sharing updated treatment protocols to manage male hypogonadism effectively. It also highlighted the importance of considering secondary hypogonadism causes and suggested consulting with endocrinologists for optimal management. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The document provides a detailed examination of adult male hypogonadism, emphasizing the critical role of accurate testosterone (T) measurement and the need for standardized laboratory practices. It highlights the condition's prevalence, affecting 6-12% of the general male population and up to 40% of men with type 2 diabetes, and its association with increased mortality and cardiovascular disease. The review underscores the importance of considering secondary causes and recommends a comprehensive management approach, including lifestyle changes and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for symptomatic men with low T levels. The document also addresses the impact of COVID-19 on T levels and the need for precise laboratory methodologies to support clinical decisions. It calls for harmonized T reference intervals and treatment thresholds to improve patient outcomes and reduce clinical confusion.
