NEW ORLEANS—Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is seldom prescribed to hypogonadal men, researchers reported at the American Urological Association annual meeting.
In a study of men who participated in a nationwide health screening program, a team led by Nelson N. Stone, MD, Professor of Urology and Radiation Oncology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, found that hypogonadism (HG)—defined as a testosterone level below 300 ng/dL—was present in 42.8% of subjects, yet TRT was used by only 3.9%.
Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) had the highest reported use of TRT (6.2%). TRT was more commonly used in men older than 65 years and those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. Lower mean testosterone levels were associated with older age, diets high in fat, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and higher BMI. TRT use did not differ in diabetic versus non-diabetic men.
Continue Reading
The study included 11,584 men from the general population who participated in Prostate Cancer Awareness Week in 2011 and 2012 and completed health assessments. Of these, 4,849 (41.9%) had their testosterone levels determined. The men had a mean age of 61.6 years and mean testosterone levels of 358.8 ng/dL.
The authors concluded that urologists involved in men’s health should be aware of the high prevalence of HG and consider the potential benefits of TRT, especially in men with a high BMI or diabetes, and those who consume a high-fat diet and engage in minimal exercise.
