The pharmacotherapy of male hypogonadism besides androgens

Abstract

Introduction: Adulthood male hypogonadism (HG) is the most common form of HG. Although testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) is the most common way of treating HG, other options are available depending on patient’s needs and expectations.

Areas covered: We analyze alternative options to TRT as a medical intervention in treating HG. Gonadotropin (Gn) therapy is the treatment of choice in men with secondary HG (sHG), who require fertility. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy represents an alternative to Gn for inducing spermatogenesis in patients with sHG, however, its use is limited by the poor patient compliance and high cost. In obese HG men, lifestyle modifications and, in particular, weight loss should be the first step. Recent data suggest that antiestrogens represent a successful treatment for sHG. Other potential therapeutic options include the stimulation of hypothalamic activity (i.e., kisspeptin and neurokinin-B agonists). Conversely, the possibility of increasing Leydig cell steroid production, independently from Gn stimulation, seems unreliable.

Expert opinion: Understanding the nature of male HG and patient’s needs are mandatory before choosing among treatment options. For primary HG only TRT is advisable, whereas for the secondary form several alternative possibilities can be offered.

Keywords:

• antiestrogens
• gonadotropin
• male hypogonadism
• testosterone

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Erratum

Declaration of interest

G Corona has received consultancies from Bayer, Besins, Otsuka, Eli-Lilly and Menarini. M Maggi has received consultancies from Bayer, Prostrakan, GSK, Eli-Lilly and Menarini. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

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