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Subclinical male hypogonadism.
Giovanni Corona1, Giulia Rastrelli2, Mauro Dicuio3,4
1Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Medical Department, AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy - jocorona@libero.it.
Minerva Endocrinology
|September 24, 2020
Summary
Subclinical male hypogonadism (SHG) involves elevated gonadotropins with normal testosterone. Age-related SHG is common in aging men and linked to poor health and cardiovascular risks, but treatment benefits require further study.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Men's Health
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Subclinical male hypogonadism (SHG) is an emerging concept defined by elevated gonadotropins and normal testosterone levels.
- The clinical significance of SHG remains debated, particularly concerning age-related declines in testosterone (T).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the definition and clinical implications of SHG.
- To evaluate the potential benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for SHG.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted.
- Included English-language studies on human participants published from 1969 to 2020.
Main Results:
- Two forms of SHG were identified: one in young patients with prior testicular damage, and another associated with age-dependent T decline.
- Age-related SHG affects 9.4% of aging men and is linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- SHG in aging men may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
- Further interventional studies are needed to determine if TRT improves outcomes in SHG patients.
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