Via practica 3/2024

Testosterone deficiency in an adult male – diagnosis, therapeutic substitution options

Clinical diagnosis of adult-onset hypogonadism is based on a combination of clinical and biochemical parameters. Testosterone replacement therapy should be offered to all symptomatic subjects with hypogonadism after the exclusion of possible contraindications. Testosterone gels and the long-acting injectable testosterone are currently available preparations showing he best efficacy/safety profile. Testosterone replacement therapy can improve sexual function and body composition particularly in less complicated adult and in aging subjects with hypogonadism. When hypogonadism is adequately diagnosed, testosterone appropriately prescribed and subjects correctly followed up, no short-term increased risk of adverse events is observed. Further experience is needed as many questions remain open.

Keywords: male hypogonadism, etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, differential diagnostics, treatment