Introduction
Demographic data clearly demonstrate that the percentage of the population in the
older age group is increasing. Androgen deficiency in the aging male has become a
topic of increasing interest and debate throughout the world. Cross-sectional and
longitudinal data indicate that the testosterone falls progressively with age and
that a significant percentage of men over the age of 60 years have serum testosterone
levels that are below the lower limits of young adult (age 20–30 years) men (1–4).
The principal questions raised by these observations are whether older hypogonadal
men will benefit from testosterone treatment and what will be the risks associated
with such intervention.
The past decade has brought evidence of benefit of androgen treatment of hypogonadal
men on multiple target organs and the recent studies show short-term beneficial effects
of testosterone in older men that are similar to those in younger men. This has been
comprehensively reviewed and summarized by the Institute of Medicine in ‘Testosterone
and Aging: Clinical Research Directions’ (5). Long-term data on the effects of testosterone
treatment in the older population are limited mainly to effects on body composition
and bone mass (6–11). Key questions of the effects of testosterone on patient reported
outcomes and functional benefits that may retard physical or mental frailty of the
elderly or improve the quality of life are not yet available. Specific risk data on
the prostate and cardiovascular systems are needed.
Process for development of recommendations
Recent guidelines for the testosterone treatment of younger hypogonadal men are available
from professional societies (12–14). Recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment,
and monitoring of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) were published by International Society
for the Study of Aging Male (ISSAM) in 2002 (15). In 2005, a writing committee formed
by the International Society of Andrology (ISA), the ISSAM, and the European Association
of Urology (EAU) prepared a set of recommendations specifically on the ‘Investigation,
treatment and monitoring of LOH’. In order to reach a large audience, these recommendations
were published in the International Journal of Andrology, the Journal of Andrology,
the Aging Male, and European Urology (16–19). In view of the growing interest from
practitioners on the treatment of older men with testosterone, the ISA, ISSAM, EAU,
European Academy of Andrology, and American Society of Andrology convened meetings
of the writing group with expert representatives from each of the societies. The writing
group membership from 2005 was expanded to include additional urologists. Members
of the writing group met in Berlin 2007, Toronto 2007, and Tampa 2008 to revise these
recommendations. There was no corporate funding or support for the development of
these recommendations. The revised recommendations are supported by a selection of
appropriate references and categorized by the level of evidence and grade of recommendation
according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service,
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (1992; Table 1).
To ensure broad outreach to multidisciplinary audiences, these recommendations are
published in several journals simultaneously.
Recommendation 1: definition
LOH, also referred to as age-associated testosterone-deficiency syndrome (TDS), is
a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advancing age and characterized
by symptoms and a deficiency in serum testosterone levels (below the young healthy
adult male reference range) (16–20). This condition may result in significant detriment
in the quality of life and adversely affect the function of multiple organ systems.
Recommendation 2: clinical diagnosis and questionnaires
2.1. At present, the diagnosis of treatable hypogonadism requires the presence of
symptoms and signs suggestive of testosterone deficiency (Level 3, Grade A) (12, 16–19).
The symptom most associated with hypogonadism is low libido (Level 3, Grade A) (21,
22). Other manifestations of hypogonadism include: erectile dysfunction, decreased
muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis,
and decreased vitality and depressed mood. None of these symptoms are specific to
the low androgen state but may raise suspicion of testosterone deficiency. One or
more of these symptoms must be corroborated with a low serum testosterone level (Level
3, Grade A) (1, 23–25).
2.2. Questionnaires such as Aging Male Symptom Score (AMS) (26, 27) and Androgen Deficiency
in Aging Men (ADAM) (28) are not recommended for the diagnosis of hypogonadism because
of low specificity (Level 3, Grade B) (24, 29, 30).
Recommendation 3: laboratory diagnosis
3.1. In patients at risk or suspected of hypogonadism, a thorough physical and biochemical
work-up is necessary (Level 4, Grade A). Transient decreases of serum testosterone
levels such as those due to acute illnesses should be excluded by careful clinical
evaluations and repeated hormone measurement. Hypogonadism (primary or secondary)
can occur at all ages including elderly men. Risk factors for hypogonadism in older
men may include chronic illnesses (including diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive
lung disease, inflammatory arthritic disease, renal disease, and HIV-related disease),
obesity, metabolic syndrome, and hemochromatosis (12). Such chronic diseases should
be investigated and treated (Level 4, Grade A).
3.2. A serum sample for total testosterone determination should be obtained between
0700 and 1100 h (Level 2a, A) (31). The most widely accepted parameters to establish
the presence of hypogonadism is the measurement of serum total testosterone. There
are no generally accepted lower limits of normal. There is, however, general agreement
that the total testosterone level above 12 nmol/l (350 ng/dl) does not require substitution.
Similarly, based on the data of younger men, there is consensus that patients with
serum total testosterone levels below 8 nmol/l (230 ng/dl) will usually benefit from
testosterone treatment. If the serum total testosterone level is between 8 and 12 nmol/l,
repeating the measurement of total testosterone with sex hormone-binding globulin
(SHBG) to calculate free testosterone or free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis
may be helpful (see 3.5 and 3.7 below) (Level 2b, Grade A).
3.3. Measurements of serum luteinizing hormone will assist in differentiating between
primary and secondary hypogonadism and serum prolactin is indicated when the serum
testosterone is lower than 5.2 nmol/l (150 ng/dl) (32–35) or when secondary hypogonadism
is suspected (12, 36, 37) (Level 3, Grade B).
3.4. Since there are known variations between assay methods, it is imperative that
the practitioners utilize reliable laboratories and are acquainted with the reference
ranges for testosterone from their local laboratory (38–41) (Level 2b, Grade A).
3.5. Current immunometric methods for the measurement of testosterone can distinguish
between hypogonadism and normal adult men. However, the methods based on mass spectrometry
are more accurate and precise (39–41) (Level 2b, Grade A) and are increasingly recognized
as the method of choice for serum testosterone measurement.
3.6. The measurement of free or bioavailable testosterone should be considered when
the serum total testosterone concentration is not diagnostic of hypogonadism, particularly
in obese men. There are no generally accepted lower limits of normal for free testosterone
for the diagnosis of hypogonadism. However, a free testosterone level below 225 pmol/l
(65 pg/ml) can provide supportive evidence for testosterone treatment (37, 38, 42)
(Level 3, Grade C). Threshold values for bioavailable testosterone depend on the method
used and are not generally available (38).
3.7. Equilibrium dialysis is the gold standard for free testosterone measurement.
Free testosterone assays based on analog displacement immunoassays are widely available
but do not give an accurate measurement of free testosterone; thus they should not
be used (43, 44). Alternately, measuring serum SHBG levels together with reliable
serum total testosterone levels provides the data necessary for calculating free testosterone
levels (Level 2b, Grade A). Calculated free testosterone correlates well with free
testosterone by equilibrium dialysis (38, 42).
Efforts to create standardization of testosterone assays, agreement on standards for
testosterone measurement and accurate reference ranges for testosterone by liquid
chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS)/MS are being developed. International reference
standards, characterization of methodology, and population-based reference ranges
for free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis are needed. Consensus on the equilibrium
constants for testosterone binding to SHBG and albumin will allow improved calculation
of free testosterone (38).
3.8. Salivary testosterone has also been shown to be a reliable substitute for free
testosterone measurements but cannot be recommended for general use at this time,
since the methodology has not been standardized and adult male ranges are not available
in most hospital or reference laboratories (45) (Level 3, Grade B).
3.9. Alterations in other endocrine systems occur in association with aging (i.e.,
estradiol, growth hormone (GH), and DHEA) but the significance of these changes is
not well understood. Determinations of estradiol, thyroid hormones, cortisol, DHEA,
DHEA-S, melatonin, GH, and insulin-like growth factor-I are not indicated unless other
endocrine disorders are suspected based on the clinical signs and symptoms of the
patient (12) (Level 2, Grade A).
Recommendation 4: assessment of treatment outcome and decisions on continued therapy
Improvement in signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency should be sought. Failure
to benefit clinical manifestations within a reasonable time interval (3–6 months is
adequate for libido and sexual function, muscle function, and improved body fat; improvement
in bone mineral density requires a longer interval to show improvement) should result
in discontinuation of treatment. Further investigation for other causes of symptoms
is then mandatory (Level 1b, Grade A).
Recommendation 5: body composition
In men with hypogonadal values of testosterone, testosterone administration improves
body composition (decrease of fat mass, increase of lean body mass (5, 7, 9, 10, 46)
(Level 1b, Grade A). Secondary benefits of these changes of body composition on strength,
muscle function, and metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction are suggested by available
data but require confirmation by large-scale studies.
Recommendation 6: bone density and fracture rate
Osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fracture prevalence rates are greater in hypogonadal
younger and older men (47). Bone density in hypogonadal men of all ages increases
under testosterone substitution (8, 11, 48) (Level 1b, Grade A). Fracture data are
not yet available and thus the long-term benefit of testosterone requires further
investigation. Assessment of bone density at 2-year intervals is advisable in hypogonadal
men and serum testosterone measurements should be obtained in all men with osteopenia
(49, 50).
Recommendation 7: testosterone and sexual function
7.1. The initial assessment of all men with erectile dysfunction and/or diminished
libido should include determination of serum testosterone. These dysfunctions, with
or without a testosterone deficiency, might be related to co-morbidities (i.e., diabetes
mellitus, hyperprolactinemia, the metabolic syndrome, bladder outlet obstruction,
peripheral vascular disease, or medications (51)) (Level 2a, Grade A).
7.2. Men with erectile dysfunction and/or diminished libido and documented testosterone
deficiency are candidates for testosterone therapy (Level 2a, Grade A). An inadequate
response to testosterone treatment requires reassessment of the causal mechanisms
responsible for the erectile dysfunction (see 7.4 below).
7.3. In the presence of a clinical picture of testosterone deficiency and borderline
serum testosterone levels, a short (e.g., 3 months) therapeutic trial may be justified.
An absence of response calls for discontinuation of testosterone administration. A
satisfactory response might be placebo generated, so that continued assessment is
advisable before long-term treatment is recommended (52) (Level 2a, Grade B).
7.4. There is evidence suggesting therapeutic synergism with combined use of testosterone
and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in hypogonadal or borderline eugonadal men (53,
54) (Level 1b, Grade B). These observations are still preliminary and require additional
study. However, the combination treatment should be considered in hypogonadal patients
with erectile dysfunction failing to respond to either treatment alone. It is unclear
whether men with hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction should be treated initially
with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5-I), testosterone, or the combination of
the two.
Recommendation 8: testosterone and obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
8.1. Many of the components of the metabolic syndrome (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia,
impaired glucose regulation, and insulin resistance) are also present in hypogonadal
men. Numerous epidemiological studies have established a close relationship between
obesity and low serum testosterone levels in healthy men (55). Obese men of 20–64%
have a low serum total or free testosterone levels (56). The metabolic syndrome and
type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with low plasma testosterone (25, 55, 57–62).
Serum testosterone should be measured in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus with symptoms
suggestive of testosterone deficiency (Level 2b, Grade A).
8.2. The effects of testosterone administration on glycemic control of men with diabetes
mellitus are much less certain (63–65). It is premature to recommend testosterone
treatment for the metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus in the absence of laboratory
and other clinical evidence of hypogonadism. In men with hypogonadism and diabetes
and/or the metabolic syndrome, the testosterone treatment for traditional hypogonadal
symptoms may have other unproven benefits on their metabolic status (Level 2a, Grade
B).
Recommendation 9: prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
9.1. At the present time, there is no conclusive evidence that testosterone therapy
increases the risk of prostate cancer or BPH (66, 67). There is also no evidence that
testosterone treatment will convert subclinical prostate cancer to clinically detectable
prostate cancer (Level 4, Grade C). However, there is unequivocal evidence that testosterone
can stimulate growth and aggravate symptoms in men with locally advanced and metastatic
prostate cancer (68, 69) (Level 2a, Grade A). Currently, adequately powered and optimally
designed long-term prostate disease data are not available to determine whether there
is any additional risk from testosterone replacement. Hypogonadal older (>45 years)
men should be counseled on the potential risks and benefits of testosterone replacement
before treatment and carefully monitored for prostate safety during treatment (Level
3, Grade A).
9.2. Prior to therapy with testosterone, a man's risk of prostate cancer must be assessed
using, as a minimum, digital rectal examination (DRE) and determination of serum prostate-specific
antigen (PSA). However, the pretreatment assessment can be improved by incorporating
other risk predictors such as age, family history, and ethnicity/race. Several tools
have been developed to assist the clinician in assessing prostate cancer risk (e.g.,
on-line prostate cancer risk calculator) (70, 71). These tools have not been validated
for patients with LOH TDS. If the patient and physician feel that the risk is sufficiently
high, further assessment may be desirable (71, 72) (Level 2a, Grade B). However, pretreatment
prostate ultrasound examinations or biopsies are not recommended as routine requirements.
9.3. After initiation of testosterone treatment, patients should be monitored for
prostate disease at 3–6 months, 12 months, and at least annually thereafter (Level
3, Grade C). Should the patient's prostate cancer risk be sufficiently high (suspicious
finding on DRE; increased PSA or as calculated using a combination of risk factors
as noted above) transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies of the prostate are indicated
(73–76) (Level 2b, Grade A).
9.4. Severe symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) evident by a high (>21)
International Prostate Symptom Score due to benign prostate hyperplasia represents
a relative contraindication (although there are no compelling data to suggest that
testosterone treatment causes exacerbation of LUTS or promotes acute urinary retention)
(Level 3, Grade C). After successful treatment of lower urinary tract obstruction,
this contraindication is no longer applicable (Level 4, Grade C).
9.5. Men successfully treated for prostate cancer and suffering from confirmed symptomatic
hypogonadism are potential candidates for testosterone substitution after a prudent
interval, if there is no clinical or laboratory evidence of residual cancer (77–80).
As long-term outcome data are not available, clinicians must exercise good clinical
judgment together with adequate knowledge of advantages and drawbacks of testosterone
therapy in this situation (81, 82) (Level 2b, Grade C). The risk and benefits must
be clearly discussed with and understood by the patient and the follow-up must be
particularly careful.
Recommendation 10: treatment and delivery systems
10.1. Preparations of natural testosterone should be used for substitution therapy.
Currently available i.m., subdermal, transdermal, oral, and buccal preparations of
testosterone are safe and effective (Level 1b, Grade A). The treating physician should
have sufficient knowledge and adequate understanding of the pharmacokinetics as well
as of the advantages and drawbacks of each preparation. The selection of the preparation
should be a joint decision of an informed patient and physician (83).
10.2. Since the possible development of an adverse event during treatment (especially
elevated hematocrit or prostate carcinoma) (84) requires rapid discontinuation of
testosterone substitution, short-acting preparations may be preferred over long-acting
depot preparations in the initial treatment of patients with LOH (Level 4, Grade C).
10.3. Inadequate data are available to determine the optimal serum testosterone level
for efficacy and safety. For the present time, mid to lower young adult male serum
testosterone levels seem appropriate as the therapeutic goal (85). Sustained supraphysiological
levels should be avoided. No evidence exists for or against the need to maintain the
physiological circadian rhythm of serum testosterone levels (Level 3, Grade B).
10.4. Obese men are more likely to develop adverse effects (83, 85) (Level 2b, Grade
B).
10.5. 17-α-alkylated androgen preparations such as 17α-methyl testosterone are obsolete
because of their potential liver toxicity and should no longer be prescribed (Level
2b, Grade A).
10.6. There is not enough evidence to recommend substitution of DHT in aging men;
other non-testosterone androgen precursor preparations such as DHEA, DHEA-S, androstenediol,
or androstenedione are not recommended (Level 1b, Grade A).
10.7. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates testosterone production of Leydig
cells, albeit at a lower rate in older than in younger men. Since insufficient information
exists about the therapeutic and adverse effects of hCG treatment in older men and
its higher cost, this treatment cannot be recommended in LOH except when fertility
is an issue (Level 1b, Grade B).
10.8. Anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors have been shown to increase endogenous
testosterone levels (Level 2b, Grade B). Adequate evidence does not exist to recommend
their use. Selective androgen receptor modulators are under development, but not yet
clinically available. Many of these compounds are non-aromatizable and the risks of
long-term use are unclear.
Recommendation 11: adverse effects and monitoring
11.1. Testosterone treatment is contraindicated in men with prostate or breast cancer
(Level 3, Grade A). Testosterone treatment is relatively contraindicated in men at
the high risk of developing prostate cancer. It is unclear whether localized low-grade
(Gleason score <7) prostate cancer represents a relative or absolute contraindication
for treatment. (See Section 9 for more details; Level 4, Grade, C) (83, 86, 87).
11.2. Men with significant erythrocytosis (hematocrit >52%; Level 3, Grade A), untreated
obstructive sleep apnea (Level 3, Grade B), untreated severe congestive heart failure
(Level 3, Grade B) should not be started on treatment with testosterone without prior
resolution of the co-morbid condition (83, 88).
11.3. Erythrocytosis can develop during testosterone treatment, especially in older
men treated by injectable testosterone preparations. Periodic hematological assessment
is indicated, i.e., before treatment, then 3–4 and 12 months in the first year of
treatment and annually thereafter. While it is not yet clear what critical threshold
is desirable, dose adjustments and/or periodic phlebotomy may be necessary to keep
hematocrit below 52–55% (12, 82, 83) (Level 3, Grade A).
Recommendation 12: summary
Age is not a contraindication to initiate testosterone treatment. Individual assessment
of co-morbidities (as possible causes of symptoms) and potential risks versus benefits
of testosterone treatment is particularly important in elderly men (Level 2a, Grade
A).
Conclusion
The diagnosis of late-onset testosterone deficiency is based on the presence of symptoms
or signs and persistent low serum testosterone levels. The benefits and risks of testosterone
therapy must be clearly discussed with the patient and assessment of prostate and
other risk factors considered before commencing testosterone treatment. Response to
testosterone treatment should be assessed. If there is no improvement of symptoms
and signs, treatment should be withdrawn and the patient investigated for other possible
causes of the clinical presentations.
Declaration of interest
R S Swerdloff received consulting fees, grants, research materials, and speaker fees
from the following: Acrux, Ardana, Auxillium, Clarus, GlaxoSmithKline, Indevus, Organon,
Pierre Fabre, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, and Repros. H Behre and E Nieschlag have received
honoraria for lectures on testosterone. J J Legros received lecture fees from Organon.
A Morales received research grants from Solvay Pharmaceuticals. C Wang received consulting
fees from Indevus and research materials or grants from Acrux, Indevus, Met et P,
Clarus Therapeutics, and Besins Health Care.