Novel methods for the treatment of low testosterone

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Testosterone replacement therapy is a promising and growing field in modern healthcare. Several novel testosterone preparations aiming at providing an efficient drug without side effects have been developed in recent years. Several oral, nasal, gel, and self-injection preparations are now available, providing a wide variety of options customized to each individual’s needs.

Areas covered

We searched Google Scholar for keywords related to the different types of testosterone replacement therapy. This review provides information about the benefits and side effects of the newest testosterone preparations, aiming at giving a summary of the options with regard to testosterone replacement therapy to healthcare professionals.

Expert Opinion

As testosterone replacement therapy is increasing in popularity, the development of novel ways of administration minimizing side effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy is growing. Nowadays, hypogonadal patients have several options to treat their conditions and can choose the most beneficial method for their individual condition.

KEYWORDS:

• Male infertility
• polycythemia
• sperm quality
• testosterone replacement therapy
• hypogonadism

Article highlights

• Side effects such as polycythemia and infertility have been causing hypogonadal patients to refrain from treating their condition with testosterone.

• Novel administration methods seem to minimize side effects, especially the increase in hemoglobin and the decrease in sperm production and quality.

• Novel short acting testosterone preparations might mimic better the endogenous testosterone production as compared to traditional long-acting preparations.

• Hypogonadal patients have many options to treat their condition. However, some of them might be too expensive.

• Hypogonadal patients have many options to treat their condition. However, some of them might be too expensive.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no 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. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Author contributions

JF study design and manuscript writing.

SH study design and review.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.