male clinic disorders of high/low testosterone

what is hypogonadism

hyposecretion of testosterone in males (less testosterone secreted)

what are causes of primary hypogonadism

• Absence of functional testes at birth

• Loss of testes (castration or disease)

what is secondary hypogonadism

underdevelopment of testes due to inadequate pituitary gonadotrophin secretion (hypopituitarism

how does failure of testicular descent affect function

non-descent of testes can impair testosterone production and spermatogenesis

what are the effects of early loss of testicular function

• Failure of normal sexual organ development

• Absence of secondary sexual characteristics

what are the effects of hypogonadism in adults

• Reduced libido

• Regression of masculine characteristics

• Sterility

how is hypogonadism treated

androgen replacement therapy, depending on cause and age of onset

how can enzyme or receptor defects affect sexual development

deficiencies such as 5-α-reductase deficiency or androgen receptor defects cause abnormal sexual development

what are examples of administrative routes of testosterone replacement therapy

• deep intramuscular injection

• capsules containing oily solution

• transdermal delivery systems

hypersecretion of testosterone

next few flashcards

what causes hypersecretion of testosterone

Leydig cell tumours (rare)

what is pseudo-precocious puberty

early onset of puberty caused by excess testosterone in young children

when are androgens used as replacement therapy

in hypogonadism due to testicular or pituitary insufficiency

why are anabolic steroids used medically

to increase muscle mass after chronic wasting or debilitating disease

why are synthetic anabolic steroids preferred

they have reduced androgenic and enhanced anabolic effects (e.g. nandrolone)

what are the risks of anabolic steroid abuse

• Illegal use

• Liver damage

• Cardiovascular complications

how can androgens affect oestrogen-dependent tumours

they may cause regression of advanced breast or cervical cancers

what are side effects of androgen therapy in women

• Facial hair growth

• Menstrual irregularities

• Deepened voice

• Acne

what are cyproterone acetate and flutamide

testosterone receptor antagonists (anti-androgens)

what are anti-androgens used for in men

suppression of excessive sexual drive

how are anti-androgens used in women

combined with ethinyloestradiol (Dianette) to treat severe acne or hirsutism (hair growth)

how are anti-androgens used in prostate cancer

advanced androgen-dependent prostate cancers may respond to drugs like bicalutamide (Casodex)

give an example of 5-α-reductase inhibitor

finasteride

what is finasteride used to treat

benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

how does finasteride improve symptoms of BPH

by shrinking the prostate gland and improving urinary flow rate