Laboratory Assessment of Testicular Function
- PMID: 25905368
- Bookshelf ID: NBK279145
Laboratory Assessment of Testicular Function
Excerpt
Since the symptoms of hypogonadism are nonspecific, and the signs of testosterone deficiency can be subtle and slow to develop, the assessment of testicular function relies heavily on laboratory testing. The laboratory diagnosis of hypogonadism is based on a consistent and unequivocally low serum total testosterone level measured in blood samples obtained in the early morning, but normal ranges vary with different methods and among laboratories. Moreover, many men who present with adult onset testosterone deficiency have a low level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. In these men, tests for the free (or non-SHBG/bioavailable) testosterone fraction testosterone) are helpful for an accurate diagnosis. If testosterone deficiency is confirmed, the next step is to differentiate between primary and secondary hypogonadism by measuring LH and FSH. With many disorders, however, both the testes and the hypothalamic-pituitary unit are affected. Other tests such as estradiol, inhibin-B, and Mullerian inhibitory hormone, and provocative endocrine tests using hCG, GnRH or its analogs, or antiandrogens or antiestrogens, and semen analysis in the subfertile male are discussed. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text,
Copyright © 2000-2025, MDText.com, Inc.
Sections
References
-
- Rosner W., Vesper H., Endocrine S. Toward excellence in testosterone testing: a consensus statement. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2010;95:4542–4548. American Association for Clinical, C., American Association of Clinical, E., Androgen Excess, P.S., American Society for, B., Mineral, R., American Society for Reproductive, M., American Urological, A., et al. - PubMed
-
- Khera M., Adaikan G., Buvat J., Carrier S., El-Meliegy A., Hatzimouratidis K., McCullough A., Morgentaler A., Torres L.O., Salonia A. Diagnosis and Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency: Recommendations From the Fourth International Consultation for Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2015). J Sex Med. 2016;13:1787–1804. - PubMed
-
- Bhasin S., Brito J.P., Cunningham G.R., Hayes F.J., Hodis H.N., Matsumoto A.M., Snyder P.J., Swerdloff R.S., Wu F.C., Yialamas M.A. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2018;103:1715–1744. - PubMed
-
- Mulhall J.P., Trost L.W., Brannigan R.E., Kurtz E.G., Redmon J.B., Chiles K.A., Lightner D.J., Miner M.M., Murad M.H., Nelson C.J., et al. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018;200:423–432. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Miscellaneous