Pharmacotherapy of male hypogonadism

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2023 Feb:68:102323. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102323. Epub 2022 Dec 14.

Abstract

Hypogonadism is frequent with a prevalence of 2% in the general population. Hypogonadism may derive from any condition able to disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis at one or more levels. Hypogonadism may be classified according to the age of onset, its potential reversibility and level of the HPT axis damage. The latter categorization is useful to decide on the treatment. Damages to the hypothalamus-pituitary may benefit from either GnRH, gonadotropin or T therapy with the former carrying the advantage of stimulating spermatogenesis. Conversely, when the testis is damaged, T therapy is the only option and restoration of spermatogenesis is not possible. Therefore, the choice of therapy is primarily based on the diagnosis and patients' needs and both should be carefully considered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Gonadotropins* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Testis

Substances

  • Gonadotropins
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone