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Practical recommendations for the management of testosterone deficiency

Burte C, Lejeune H, Faix A, Desvaux P, Almont T, Cuzin B, Huyghe E

Progres en urologie : journal de l'Association francaise d'urologie et de la Societe francaise d'urologie, 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The Francophone Society of Sexual Medicine (SFMS) and the Andrology and Sexual Medicine Committee (CAMS) of the French Association of Urology (AFU) have brought together a panel of experts to develop French recommendations for the management of testosterone deficiency (TD).

METHODS: Systematic review of the literature between 01/2000 and 07/2019. Use of the method of recommendations for clinical practice (RPC) and the AGREE II grid.

RESULTS: TD is defined as the association of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of TD with a decrease in testosterone levels or serum androgen activity. Diagnosis requires a T lower than the reference values in young men on 2 successive assays. Sexual disorders are often at the forefront, and concern the whole male sexual function (desire, arousal, pleasure and orgasm). The most evocative symptoms are: decrease in sexual desire, disappearance of nocturnal erections, fatigue, loss of muscle strength. Overweight, depressed mood, anxiety, irritability and malaise are also frequently found. TD is more common in cases of metabolic, cardiovascular, chronic, andrological diseases, and in cases of corticosteroid, opioid, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, antiretroviral, or cancer treatment. Since SHBG is frequently abnormal, we recommend that free or bioavailable T is preferred over total T. The treatment of TD requires a prior clinical (DRE, breast examination) and biological (PSA, CBC) assessment. Contraindications to T treatment are:…

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