In this week's episode, we explore the world of hypogonadism, which typically manifests as low testosterone. We look at what testosterone is, the role it plays in the body, and what happens when testosterone is low. We then explore some common reasons for low testosterone and treatments that are available, as well as what's coming on the horizon.

References:

Anawalt BD, O’Connor KM, Grossmann M. Adult male hypogonadism: a review. JAMA. 2026 Jun 23;335(24):2146-59. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2026.8526

Carman W. The prevalence, incidence, and treatment rates of hypogonadism in men across geographies: a systematic literature review. Value in Health. 2013 Jan 1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2013.03.315

Mulligan T, Frick MF, Zuraw QC, Stemhagen A, McWhirter C. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. International journal of clinical practice. 2006 Jul;60(7):762-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2006.00992.x

Davidiuk AJ, Broderick GA. Adult-onset hypogonadism: evaluation and role of testosterone replacement therapy. Translational andrology and urology. 2016 Dec;5(6):824. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2016.09.02

Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, Hodis HN, Matsumoto AM, Snyder PJ, Swerdloff RS, Wu FC, Yialamas MA. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2018 May;103(5):1715-44. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-00229

Marieb EN, Hoehn K. Human anatomy & physiology. [11th Edition]. [Hoboken, New Jersey]: Pearson; [2019]. p. 601-641, 1060.

Jones TH, Dobs AS, Randeva H, Moore W, Parkin JM. Leflutrozole in male obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: Ph 2b double-blind randomised controlled trial. European journal of endocrinology. 2023 Sep;189(3):297-308. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvad099

Wu F, Zitzmann M, Heiselman D, Donatucci C, Knorr J, Patel AB, Kinchen K. Demographic and clinical correlates of patient-reported improvement in sex drive, erectile function, and energy with testosterone solution 2%. The journal of sexual medicine. 2016 Aug;13(8):1212-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.05.010

Hussain A, Gilloteaux J. The human testes: estrogen and ageing outlooks. Translational Research in Anatomy. 2020 Sep 1;20:100073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tria.2020.100073

Gurayah AA, Dullea A, Weber A, Masterson JM, Khodamoradi K, Mohamed AI, Ramasamy R. Long vs short acting testosterone treatments: a look at the risks. Urology. 2023 Feb 1;172:5-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2022.11.016

Jones T, Dobs A, MacKinnon A, Parkin J. OR18-4 Beneficial Effect on Sperm Production of Leflutrozole in Men with Obesity-Associated Secondary Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: Results from a Phase II Study. Journal of the Endocrine Society. 2019 Apr;3(Supplement_1):OR18-4. https://doi.org/10.1210/js.2019-OR18-4

Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tiktok
Youtube

For more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! Podcast and MedEvidence.com

Thank you for listening!