Exogenous testosterone replacement therapy versus raising endogenous testosterone levels: current and future prospects

Kajal Khodamoradi Ph.D. , Zahra Khosravizadeh Ph.D. , Madhu Parmar B.S. , Manish Kuchakulla B.S. , Ranjith Ramasamy M.D. , Himanshu Arora Ph.D.
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引用次数: 14

Abstract

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an important treatment option for men with low testosterone levels and symptomatic hypogonadism. Various formulations for exogenous TRT exist, including oral, buccal, intramuscular, transdermal, subdermal, and nasal ones. However, exogenous TRT is a double-edged sword, posing risks to fertility due to negative feedback mechanisms on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is the main regulator of testosterone production and spermatogenesis in males. Alternative pharmacologic therapies are being used to increase endogenous testosterone levels while attempting to preserve the fertility and function of the HPG axis. These include selective estrogen receptor modulators, gonadotropins, and aromatase inhibitors. This article focuses on overviewing and comparing the current methods of exogenous TRT, alternative treatments to increase endogenous testosterone levels, and novel treatments that are currently under investigation to normalize testosterone levels while preserving the function of the HPG axis. In conclusion, reports suggest that even though TRT is an important way to restore testosterone levels and reduce symptoms associated with low testosterone, it is often difficult to decide which treatment to select for patients with testosterone deficiency. Several factors need to be considered to decide on optimal therapy option for the patient, including, but not limited to, safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, dosing flexibility, and side effects. Alternative approaches aimed at improving endogenous testosterone production and preserving fertility are promising but are still in the initial stages of development. Ultimately, patient-centered decision-making is paramount to appropriate treatment selection.

外源性睾酮替代疗法与提高内源性睾酮水平:当前和未来的前景
睾酮替代疗法(TRT)是睾酮水平低和症状性性腺功能减退的男性的重要治疗选择。外源性TRT有多种剂型,包括口服、口腔、肌肉注射、透皮、皮下和鼻腔剂型。然而,外源性TRT是一把双刃剑,由于下丘脑-垂体-性腺(HPG)轴的负反馈机制,对生育构成风险,而HPG轴是男性睾酮产生和精子发生的主要调节因子。替代药物治疗被用于增加内源性睾酮水平,同时试图保持生育能力和HPG轴的功能。这些包括选择性雌激素受体调节剂,促性腺激素和芳香酶抑制剂。这篇文章的重点是概述和比较目前外源性TRT的方法,增加内源性睾酮水平的替代治疗方法,以及目前正在研究的在保持HPG轴功能的同时使睾酮水平正常化的新治疗方法。总之,报告表明,尽管TRT是恢复睾酮水平和减少与低睾酮相关症状的重要方法,但对于睾酮缺乏患者,通常很难决定选择哪种治疗方法。在决定患者的最佳治疗方案时,需要考虑几个因素,包括但不限于安全性、有效性、成本效益、剂量灵活性和副作用。旨在改善内源性睾酮产生和保持生育能力的其他办法很有希望,但仍处于初步发展阶段。最终,以患者为中心的决策对于适当的治疗选择至关重要。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
F&S reviews
F&S reviews Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Urology
CiteScore
3.70
自引率
0.00%
发文量
0
审稿时长
61 days
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