Correlation between different equations to calculate free testosterone for improved detection of hypogonadism in people living with HIV

Abstract

The diagnosis of hypogonadism in people living with HIV (PLWH) remains challenging by the lack of a standardised diagnostic algorithm. Since sexual hormone-binding globulin levels are commonly increased in PLWH, guidelines recommend assessing free testosterone (FT) along with total testosterone levels. We compared different online equations available to estimate FT levels and found a good correlation amongst all algorithms. Estimating FT levels increased diagnostic accuracy of hypogonadism and therefore should be encouraged in clinical practice in PLWH with clinical symptoms of hypogonadism, even when total testosterone levels are normal.

Keywords: HIV; Hypogonadism; free testosterone.