Male Hypogonadism: Quick Reference for Residents

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Male Hypogonadism: Quick Reference for Residents Male hypogonadism: Quick Reference for Residents Soe Naing, MD, MRCP(UK), FACE Endocrinologist Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine Director of Division of Endocrinology Medical Director of Community Diabetes Care Center UCSF-Fresno Medical Education Program Version: SN/8-21-2017 Male hypogonadism From Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e and Up-To-Date accessed on 8-21-2017 Testosterone is FDA-approved as replacement therapy only for men who have low testosterone levels due to disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland, or brain that cause hypogonadism. Examples of these disorders include primary hypogonadism because of genetic problems, or damage from chemotherapy or infection (mump orchitis). However, FDA has become aware that testosterone is being used extensively in attempts to relieve symptoms in men who have low testosterone for no apparent reason other than aging. Some studies reported an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death associated with testosterone treatment, while others did not. FDA cautions that prescription testosterone products are approved only for men who have low testosterone levels caused by a medical condition. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm436259.htm 2 Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis Schematic representation of the hypothalamic-pituitary- testicular axis. GnRH from the hypothalamus stimulates the gonadotroph cells of the pituitary to secrete LH and FSH. LH stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to secrete testosterone. The high concentration of testosterone within the testes is essential for spermatogenesis within the seminiferous tubules. FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to make inhibin B, which also stimulates spermatogenesis. Testosterone inhibits GnRH secretion, and inhibin B inhibits FSH secretion. GnRH: gonadotropin-releasing hormone; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; LH: luteinizing hormone. 3 Causes of male hypogonadism. From Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2016 > Endocrine Disorders Hypogonadotropic (Low or Normal LH) Hypergonadotropic (High LH) Aging Aging Alcohol Antitumor chemotherapy Chronic illness Bilateral anorchia Congenital syndromes Idiopathic Constitutional delay Klinefelter syndrome Cushing syndrome Leprosy Drugs Lymphoma Estrogen Male climacteric GnRH agonist (leuprolide) Mumps Myotonic dystrophy Ketoconazole Noonan syndrome Marijuana Orchitis Prior androgens Radiation therapy Spironolactone Sertoli cell-only syndrome Hemochromatosis Testicular trauma Hypopituitarism Tuberculosis Hypothyroidism Uremia Idiopathic Kallmann syndrome 17-Ketosteroid reductase deficiency Major medical or surgical illnesses Malnourishment Obesity (BMI > 30) Prader-Willi syndrome BMI, body mass index; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone. Clinical features and diagnosis of male hypogonadism Hypogonadism in a male refers to a decrease in one or both of the two major functions of the testes: sperm production or testosterone production. These abnormalities can result from disease of the testes (primary hypogonadism) or disease of the hypothalamus or pituitary (secondary hypogonadism). The distinction between these disorders, which will be described below, is made by measurement of the serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): ● The patient has primary hypogonadism if the serum testosterone concentration and/or the sperm count are below normal and the serum LH and/or FSH concentrations are above normal. ● The patient has secondary hypogonadism if the serum testosterone concentration and/or the sperm count are below normal and the serum LH and/or FSH concentrations are normal or low. 4 In primary hypogonadism, spermatogenesis tends to be impaired to a greater degree than Leydig cell function, at least in its early stages. In contrast, both functions are impaired to the same degree with secondary hypogonadism. Spermatogenesis cannot be increased in men with primary hypogonadism because of damage to the seminiferous tubules. However, successful pregnancies have now been reported with men with primary hypogonadism, including men with Klinefelter syndrome, using sperm extracted from the testes with subsequent in vitro fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In contrast, men with secondary hypogonadism can often have spermatogenesis restored with gonadotropin therapy or pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy (if pituitary function is normal and the patient has access to a center that provides this therapy). CLINICAL FEATURES — The clinical features of male hypogonadism depend upon the age of onset, severity of testosterone deficiency, and whether there is a decrease in one or both of the two major functions of the testes: sperm production and testosterone production. There are several possible clinical manifestations of testosterone deficiency, which are determined by its time of onset during reproductive development. There are two main clinical manifestations of impaired spermatogenesis: infertility and decreased testicular size. Signs and symptoms of adult male hypogonadism Prepubertal onset Postpubertal onset Primary Secondary Primary Secondary Symptoms Low energy + + + + Low libido + + + + Physical findings Small testes + + + ± Small phallus + + – – Decreased body/facial hair + + ± ± Decreased muscle mass + + ± ± Eunuchoid proportions + + – – Gynecomastia + ± + – Symptoms and physical findings in adults who have untreated hypogonadism grouped by whether the hypogonadism is of prepubertal or postpubertal onset and whether it is primary or secondary. 5 DIAGNOSIS — The diagnosis is based upon the presence of signs and symptoms of male hypogonadism and unequivocally low serum total testosterone concentrations between 8 and 10 AM on at least two occasions. Candidates for testing — Population screening for male hypogonadism has not been shown to be cost- effective and is not recommended. Instead, we suggest case detection by measuring serum testosterone in situations in which the prevalence of hypogonadism is high, as suggested by the Endocrine Society guidelines. ● Diseases of the sellar region ● Medications that affect testosterone production, such as high-dose glucocorticoids for a prolonged period and sustained-release opioids ● Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated weight loss ● End-stage renal disease and maintenance hemodialysis ● Moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive lung disease ● Infertility ● Osteoporosis or low-trauma fracture, especially in a young man ● Type 2 diabetes mellitus Men with acute or subacute illness should not be assessed for hypogonadism, as they will have a transient functional secondary hypogonadism. 6 Initial evaluation — The evaluation and diagnosis of male hypogonadism are usually straightforward. The clinician obtains clues to the possible presence of hypogonadism from the history and physical examination and confirms the diagnosis by appropriate laboratory testing. Initial laboratory testing is based upon measuring the products of the testes (testosterone and sperm) and the pituitary hormones that control their production (luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]). Testosterone is produced by the Leydig cells of the testes under stimulation of LH. Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules under stimulation principally by the high concentration of testosterone in the testes but also by FSH. Testosterone, in turn, inhibits both LH and FSH secretion, the latter via conversion to estradiol. FSH is also inhibited by inhibin, a product of the Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules. Evaluation of the male with possible hypogonadism (From Up-To-Date accessed on 2-12-2016) T: testosterone; LH: luteinizing hormone; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; PRL: prolactin; T4: thyroxine; Fe: iron; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging. * This algorithm applies to the evaluation of outpatients. Men with acute or subacute illness should not be assessed for hypogonadism, as they will have a transient functional secondary hypogonadism. ¶ Iron and transferrin are measured to assess the possibility that hemochromatosis is the cause of secondary hypogonadism. When an MRI should be performed depends upon several factors. One is the patient's serum T relative to his age. A male <40 years with a serum T <250 ng/dL warrants an MRI but in a male >60 years, a value of <150 ng/dL would be necessary to warrant it. An MRI should also be performed if other pituitary hormones are abnormal, eg, if serum prolactin is elevated or if serum T4 and/or early morning cortisol are below normal. 7 Evaluation of hypogonadism. (From Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e > Disorders of the Testes and Male Reproductive System) GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone; T, testosterone. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIAGNOSIS: ● Hypogonadism in a male refers to a decrease in either or both of the two major functions of the testes: sperm production and testosterone production. These abnormalities may result from disease of the testes (primary hypogonadism) or disease of the pituitary or hypothalamus (secondary hypogonadism). ● Failure to undergo or complete puberty indicates deficient testosterone secretion. ● Symptoms that could indicate hypogonadism in an adult male are decreases in energy, libido, muscle mass, and body hair, as well as hot flashes, gynecomastia, and infertility. ● Population screening for male hypogonadism has not been shown to be cost-effective and is
Recommended publications
  • Sex Hormones Related Ocular Dryness in Breast Cancer Women
    Journal of Clinical Medicine Review Sex Hormones Related Ocular Dryness in Breast Cancer Women Antonella Grasso 1, Antonio Di Zazzo 2,* , Giuseppe Giannaccare 3 , Jaemyoung Sung 4 , Takenori Inomata 4 , Kendrick Co Shih 5 , Alessandra Micera 6, Daniele Gaudenzi 2, Sara Spelta 2 , Maria Angela Romeo 7, Paolo Orsaria 1, Marco Coassin 2 and Vittorio Altomare 1 1 Breast Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; [email protected] (A.G.); [email protected] (P.O.); [email protected] (V.A.) 2 Ophthalmology Operative Complex Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; [email protected] (D.G.); [email protected] (S.S.); [email protected] (M.C.) 3 Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; [email protected] 4 Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 1130033 Tokyo, Japan; [email protected] (J.S.); [email protected] (T.I.) 5 Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; [email protected] 6 Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Sciences, IRCCS–Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; [email protected] 7 School of Medicine, Humanitas University, 20089 Milan, Italy; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-06225418893; Fax: +39-9622541456 Abstract: Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is strictly connected to systemic and topical sex hor- mones. Breast cancer treatment, the subsequent hormonal therapy, the subsequent hyperandrogenism and the early sudden menopause, may be responsible for ocular surface system failure and its clinical Citation: Grasso, A.; Di Zazzo, A.; manifestation as dry eye disease.
    [Show full text]
  • Androgens Utilization Management Criteria
    ANDROGENS UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT CRITERIA DRUG CLASS: Androgens Generic (Brand) NAMES: • Fluoxymesterone (Androxy®) • Methyltestosterone (Android®, Methitest®, Testred®) • Testosterone, topical A. Androderm®, Androgel® - Preferred topical testosterone ® ® ® ™ B. Testim , Fortesta , Axiron , Bio-T-Gel • Testosterone, buccal (Striant®) • Testosterone cypionate (e.g., Depo-Testosterone®) • Testosterone enanthate (e.g., Delatestryl®) FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS: Replacement therapy in conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): Testicular failure due to cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing testis syndrome, orchidectomy, Klinefelter syndrome, chemotherapy, or toxic damage from alcohol or heavy metals. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): Idiopathic gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation. Delayed puberty: To stimulate puberty in carefully selected males with clearly delayed puberty. Metastatic mammary cancer in women: Used secondarily in women with advancing inoperable metastatic (skeletal) mammary cancer who are 1 to 5 years postmenopausal COVERAGE AUTHORIZATION CRITERIA for the androgen products listed above: 1. Being used for ONE of the following: a. Males for the treatment of hypogonadism (low testosterone): i. patient has symptoms of androgen deficiency AND ii. has a baseline (pre-treatment) morning serum total testosterone level of less than or equal to 300 ng/dL or a serum total testosterone level that is below the testing laboratory’s lower limit of the normal range OR iii. baseline morning serum free testosterone level, measured by the equilibrium dialysis method, of less than or equal to 50 pg/ml or a free serum testosterone level that is below the testing laboratory’s lower limit of the normal range, OR b.
    [Show full text]
  • Background Briefing Document from the Consortium of Sponsors for The
    BRIEFING BOOK FOR Pediatric Advisory Committee (PAC) Prepared by Alan Rogol, M.D., Ph.D. Prepared for Consortium of Sponsors Meeting Date: April 8th, 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................................................4 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND FOR THE MEETING .............................6 1.1. INDICATION AND USAGE .......................................................................................6 2. SPONSOR CONSORTIUM PARTICIPANTS ............................................................6 2.1. TIMELINE FOR SPONSOR ENGAGEMENT FOR PEDIATRIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC): ............................................................................6 3. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE .........................................................................7 3.1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................7 3.2. PHYSICAL CHANGES OF PUBERTY ......................................................................7 3.2.1. Boys ..............................................................................................................................7 3.2.2. Growth and Pubertal Development ..............................................................................8 3.3. AGE AT ONSET OF PUBERTY.................................................................................9 3.4.
    [Show full text]
  • Serum Androgen Profiles in Women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 78-93 DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001161 ß 2018 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The North American Menopause Society. Serum androgen profiles in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis Midhun Soman, MS,1 Li-Cong Huang, MD,1 Wen-Hui Cai, MS,1 Jun-Bi Xu, MS,1 Jun-Yao Chen, MD,1 Ren-Ke He, MS,1 Heng-Chao Ruan, MS,1,2,3 Xiang-Rong Xu, MD,1,2,3 Zhi-Da Qian, MD,1,2,3,4 and Xiao-Ming Zhu, MD, PhD1,2,3 Abstract Objective: This meta-analysis aims to investigate serum androgen profiles (testosterone, dehydroepiandroster- one sulfate, androstenedione, and sex hormone-binding globulin) in women with premature ovarian failure and to establish if there is evidence of diminished androgen levels in these women. Methods: Various Internet sources of PubMed, Cochrane library, and Medline were searched systematically until February, 2018. Out of a pool of 2,461 studies, after applying the inclusion/exclusion criterion, 14, 8, 10, and 9 studies were chosen for testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and sex hormone-binding globulin, respectively, for this meta-analysis. The effect measure was the standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) in a random-effects model. Results: The testosterone concentrations in premature ovarian insufficiency were compared with fertile controls: stamdard mean difference (IV, random, 95% CI) À0.73 [À0.99, À0.46], P value < 0.05. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations in premature ovarian insufficiency compared to fertile controls: standard mean difference (IV, random, 95% CI) À0.65 [À0.92, À0.37], P value < 0.05.
    [Show full text]
  • Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Finasteride and Dutasteride Use: It’S Time to Sound the Alarm
    Review Article Health promotion, disease prevention, and lifestyle pISSN: 2287-4208 / eISSN: 2287-4690 World J Mens Health 2020 Jul 38(3): 323-337 https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.200012 Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Finasteride and Dutasteride Use: It’s Time to Sound the Alarm Abdulmaged M. Traish Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) is the most potent natural androgen. 5α-DHT elicits a multitude of physiological actions, in a host of tissues, including prostate, seminal vesicles, hair follicles, skin, kidney, and lacrimal and meibomian glands. How- ever, the physiological role of 5α-DHT in human physiology, remains questionable and, at best, poorly appreciated. Recent emerging literature supports a role for 5α-DHT in the physiological function of liver, pancreatic β-cell function and survival, ocular function and prevention of dry eye disease and kidney physiological function. Thus, inhibition of 5α-reductases with finasteride or dutasteride to reduce 5α-DHT biosynthesis in the course of treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or male pattern hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) my induces a novel form of tissue specific androgen deficien- cy and contributes to a host of pathophysiological conditions, that are yet to be fully recognized. Here, we advance the con- cept that blockade of 5α-reductases by finasteride or dutasteride in a mechanism-based, irreversible, inhabitation of 5α-DHT biosynthesis results in a novel state of androgen deficiency, independent of circulating testosterone levels. Finasteride and dutasteride are frequently prescribed for long-term treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH and in men with AGA.
    [Show full text]
  • EAU Pocket Guidelines on Male Hypogonadism 2013
    GUIDELINES ON MALE HYPOGONADISM G.R. Dohle (chair), S. Arver, C. Bettocchi, S. Kliesch, M. Punab, W. de Ronde Introduction Male hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome caused by andro- gen deficiency. It may adversely affect multiple organ func- tions and quality of life. Androgens play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive and sexual functions. Low levels of circulating androgens can cause disturbances in male sexual development, resulting in congenital abnormalities of the male reproductive tract. Later in life, this may cause reduced fertility, sexual dysfunc- tion, decreased muscle formation and bone mineralisation, disturbances of fat metabolism, and cognitive dysfunction. Testosterone levels decrease as a process of ageing: signs and symptoms caused by this decline can be considered a normal part of ageing. However, low testosterone levels are also associated with several chronic diseases, and sympto- matic patients may benefit from testosterone treatment. Androgen deficiency increases with age; an annual decline in circulating testosterone of 0.4-2.0% has been reported. In middle-aged men, the incidence was found to be 6%. It is more prevalent in older men, in men with obesity, those with co-morbidities, and in men with a poor health status. Aetiology and forms Male hypogonadism can be classified in 4 forms: 1. Primary forms caused by testicular insufficiency. 2. Secondary forms caused by hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. 164 Male Hypogonadism 3. Late onset hypogonadism. 4. Male hypogonadism due to androgen receptor insensitivity. The main causes of these different forms of hypogonadism are highlighted in Table 1. The type of hypogonadism has to be differentiated, as this has implications for patient evaluation and treatment and enables identification of patients with associated health problems.
    [Show full text]
  • Androgen Deficiency Guideline Results
    Improving testosterone testing in people living with HIV V. Kopanitsa1, S. Flavell2, J. Ashby2, I. Ghosh2, S. Candfield2, U. Srirangalingm2, L. Waters2 1. University College London (UCL) Medical School; 2. Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust Introduction Aims Symptomatic testosterone (T) deficiency is more common in people living 1. Review local practice in the clinic with HIV (PLWH) than the HIV negative male population; despite this, 2. Introduce a local guideline with investigation and management pathways specific guidelines are lacking. [1,2] for assessing T deficiency in PLWH with a view to earlier diagnosis and more efficient use of resources Patients with T deficiency can experience a number of symptoms such as 3. Re-audit after guideline implementation erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced libido, and also less specific symptoms including low mood, fatigue and reduced muscle mass [1,2,3]. Total T (free and protein-bound) is the most common measurement reported Methods when a testosterone test is requested. In PLWH, raised sex hormone 1. A retrospective notes review was completed on all patients who had a T binding globulin (SHBG) levels are common, and so calculation of free T test between 01/06/17 and 30/11/17, and 17/09/18 to 14/12/18, before more accurately reflects T levels in this group. SHBG and Albumin tests are and after guideline implementation, respectively. The following outcomes needed for this for this calculation, which is done via an online calculator [4]. from the guideline were assessed: T also varies by circadian rhythm and should be measured at peak time in 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Hypogonadism in Adolescence 173:1 R15–R24 Review
    A A Dwyer and others Hypogonadism in adolescence 173:1 R15–R24 Review TRANSITION IN ENDOCRINOLOGY Hypogonadism in adolescence Andrew A Dwyer1,2, Franziska Phan-Hug1,3, Michael Hauschild1,3, Eglantine Elowe-Gruau1,3 and Nelly Pitteloud1,2,3,4 1Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism in Young Adults (CEMjA), 2Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Correspondence Service and 3Division of Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and Obesity, Department of Pediatric Medicine and should be addressed Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland and to N Pitteloud 4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, Email 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland [email protected] Abstract Puberty is a remarkable developmental process with the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis culminating in reproductive capacity. It is accompanied by cognitive, psychological, emotional, and sociocultural changes. There is wide variation in the timing of pubertal onset, and this process is affected by genetic and environmental influences. Disrupted puberty (delayed or absent) leading to hypogonadism may be caused by congenital or acquired etiologies and can have significant impact on both physical and psychosocial well-being. While adolescence is a time of growing autonomy and independence, it is also a time of vulnerability and thus, the impact of hypogonadism can have lasting effects. This review highlights the various forms of hypogonadism in adolescence and the clinical challenges in differentiating normal variants of puberty from pathological states. In addition, hormonal treatment, concerns regarding fertility, emotional support, and effective transition to adult care are discussed. European Journal of Endocrinology (2015) 173, R15–R24 European Journal of Endocrinology Introduction Adolescence is generally defined as the transitional phase (FSH)) (1, 2).
    [Show full text]
  • Androgen Deficiency Diagnosis and Management
    4 Clinical Summary Guide Androgen Deficiency Diagnosis and management Androgen deficiency (AD) * Pituitary disease, thalassaemia, haemochromatosis. • Androgen deficiency is common, affecting 1 in 200 men under ** AD is an uncommon cause of ED. However, all men presenting 60 years with ED should be assessed for AD • The clinical presentation may be subtle and its diagnosis Examination and assessment of clinical features of AD overlooked unless actively considered Pre-pubertal onset – Infancy The GP’s role • Micropenis • GPs are typically the first point of contact for men with • Small testes symptoms of AD • The GP’s role in the management of AD includes clinical Peri-pubertal onset – Adolescence assessment, laboratory investigations, treatment, referral • Late/incomplete sexual and somatic maturation and follow-up • Small testes • Note that it in 2015 the PBS criteria for testosterone • Failure of enlargement of penis and skin of scrotum becoming prescribing changed; the patient must be referred for a thickened/pigmented consultation with an endocrinologist, urologist or member of • Failure of growth of the larynx the Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine to be eligible for PBS-subsidised testosterone prescriptions • Poor facial, body and pubic hair • Gynecomastia Androgen deficiency and the ageing male • Poor muscle development • Ageing may be associated with a 1% decline per year in serum Post-pubertal onset – Adult total testosterone starting in the late 30s • Regression of some features of virilisation • However, men who
    [Show full text]
  • Management of Women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
    Management of women with premature ovarian insufficiency Guideline of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology POI Guideline Development Group December 2015 1 Disclaimer The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (hereinafter referred to as 'ESHRE') developed the current clinical practice guideline, to provide clinical recommendations to improve the quality of healthcare delivery within the European field of human reproduction and embryology. This guideline represents the views of ESHRE, which were achieved after careful consideration of the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. In the absence of scientific evidence on certain aspects, a consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders has been obtained. The aim of clinical practice guidelines is to aid healthcare professionals in everyday clinical decisions about appropriate and effective care of their patients. However, adherence to these clinical practice guidelines does not guarantee a successful or specific outcome, nor does it establish a standard of care. Clinical practice guidelines do not override the healthcare professional's clinical judgment in diagnosis and treatment of particular patients. Ultimately, healthcare professionals must make their own clinical decisions on a case-by-case basis, using their clinical judgment, knowledge, and expertise, and taking into account the condition, circumstances, and wishes of the individual patient, in consultation with that patient and/or the guardian or carer. ESHRE makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the clinical practice guidelines and specifically excludes any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose. ESHRE shall not be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages related to the use of the information contained herein.
    [Show full text]
  • TUE Physician Guidelines 1. Medical Condition Hypogonadism in Men Is
    TUE Physician Guidelines MALE HYPOGONADISM 1. Medical Condition Hypogonadism in men is a clinical syndrome that results from failure of the testes to produce physiological levels of testosterone (testosterone deficiency) and in some instances normal number of spermatozoa (infertility) due to disruption of one or more levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. The two distinct yet interdependent testicular functions, steroidogenesis (testosterone production) and spermatogenesis can fail independently. Testosterone deficiency is the focus of this document. 2. Diagnosis A. Etiology Hypogonadism may be primary, due to a problem with the testes, or secondary, due to a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland or combined primary and secondary. The etiology of testosterone deficiency may be organic, in which there is a pathological structural or congenital defect within the hypothalamic-pituitary- testicular axis. Hypogonadism may be functional in which there is no observable pathological change in the structures within the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Hypogonadism may be functional in which there is no observable pathological change in the structures within the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Organic hypogonadism is usually long-lasting or permanent while functional hypogonadism is potentially reversible. TUE should only be approved for hypogonadism that has an organic etiology. TUE should not be approved for androgen deficiency due to functional disorder. TUE for androgen deficiency should not be approved for females. Organic causes of hypogonadism (See Appendix A for a more detailed list) 1. Organic primary hypogonadism may be due to: a. Genetic abnormalities b. Developmental abnormalities c. Testicular trauma, bilateral orchiectomy, testicular torsion d. Orchitis e. Radiation treatment or chemotherapy.
    [Show full text]
  • Distinguishing Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty from Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: Critical Appraisal of Available Diagnostic Tests
    SPECIAL FEATURE Clinical Review Distinguishing Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty from Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: Critical Appraisal of Available Diagnostic Tests Jennifer Harrington and Mark R. Palmert Division of Endocrinology, The Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Pediatrics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5G1X8 Context: Determining the etiology of delayed puberty during initial evaluation can be challenging. Specifically, clinicians often cannot distinguish constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) from isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), with definitive diagnosis of IHH awaiting lack of spontaneous puberty by age 18 yr. However, the ability to make a timely, correct diagnosis has important clinical implications. Objective: The aim was to describe and evaluate the literature regarding the ability of diagnostic tests to distinguish CDGP from IHH. Evidence Acquisition: A PubMed search was performed using key words “puberty, delayed” and “hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,” and citations within retrieved articles were reviewed to identify studies that assessed the utility of basal and stimulation tests in the diagnosis of delayed puberty. Emphasis was given to a test’s ability to distinguish prepubertal adolescents with CDGP from those with IHH. Evidence Synthesis: Basal gonadotropin and GnRH stimulation tests have limited diagnostic spec- ificity, with overlap in gonadotropin levels between adolescents with CDGP and IHH. Stimulation tests using more potent GnRH agonists and/or human chorionic gonadotropin may have better discriminatory value, but small study size, lack of replication of diagnostic thresholds, and pro- longed protocols limit clinical application. A single inhibin B level in two recent studies demon- strated good differentiation between groups. Conclusion: Distinguishing IHH from CDGP is an important clinical issue.
    [Show full text]