Androgen Replacement

Abstract

Testosterone is FDA-approved as replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels and those with symptoms of hypogonadism. Symptoms highly suggestive of hypogonadism include fewer or diminished spontaneous erections, decreased nocturnal penile tumescence, low libido, sparse beard growth, and shrinking testes. In males, the normal range for early morning testosterone is between 300 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL but may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Clinicians must distinguish between primary (testicular) and secondary (pituitary-hypothalamic) hypogonadism. This review discusses the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, and other key factors (eg, dosing, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, monitoring, relevant interactions) pertinent to interprofessional team members who use exogenous testosterone to treat hypogonadism.