Open Access

ARTICLE

Testosterone replacement therapy for the primary care physician

Richard W. Casey¹, Jack Barkin²

1 The Male Health Centre, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
2 Humber River Regional Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address correspondence to Dr. Richard W. Casey, The Male Health Centre, 407-1235 Trafalgar Road North, Oakville, Ontario L6H 3P1 Canada

Canadian Journal of Urology 2008, 15(Suppl.4), 71-77.

Abstract

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can have signifi cant benefi cial effects in the appropriate hypogonadal male patient. Testosterone defi ciency is common in primary care practice and recognition of the signs and symptoms of this abnormality will allow physicians to choose appropriate interventions. The symptoms of clinical hypogonadism include muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes and a reduced libido. Signs include a reduced muscle mass, osteoporosis, anemia and increased adiposity.
While routine screening for testosterone defi ciency, determination of testosterone levels in high risk populations, including obesity and diabetes, will help the clinician direct TRT to the patients most likely to benefi t from therapy. In this article the syndrome of male hypogonadism is discussed, together with therapeutic choices available to the primary care physician.

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Keywords

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