Expert Opinion on the Diagnosis and Management of Male Hypogonadism in India

Table 5

Expert opinion on testosterone replacement therapy.

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(1) Oral preparations and gels are used less frequently because of lack of awareness, limited availability, and cost

(2) Long-acting injectables are frequently used but are difficult to administer

(3) Clinicians should be aware of rare side effects such as microembolism, pulmonary embolism, and anaphylaxis

(4) The potential impact of testosterone on spermatogenesis should be considered while planning therapy

(5) The use of a short-acting aqueous preparation, an injectable, or an oral preparation should be preferred as the initial dose of therapy

(6) Patients can later be shifted to long-acting preparations if they desire, once safety and tolerability have been demonstrated with shorter-acting testosterone

(7) Clinicians should discuss all available options with the patient and choose the preferred option through a process of informed and shared decision-making

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