1.
Alternatives to Testosterone Therapy: A Review.
Lo, EM, Rodriguez, KM, Pastuszak, AW, Khera, M
Sexual medicine reviews. 2018;(1):106-113
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although testosterone therapy (TTh) is an effective treatment for hypogonadism, recent concerns regarding its safety have been raised. In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about potential cardiovascular risks resulting from TTh. Fertility preservation is another reason to search for viable alternative therapies to conventional TTh, and in this review we evaluate the literature examining these alternatives. AIMS To review the role and limitations of non-testosterone treatments for hypogonadism. METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify relevant studies examining medical and non-medical alternatives to TTh. Search terms included hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone therapy, testosterone replacement alternatives, diet and exercise and testosterone, varicocele repair and testosterone, stress reduction and testosterone, and sleep apnea and testosterone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Review of peer-reviewed literature. RESULTS Medical therapies examined include human chorionic gonadotropins, aromatase inhibitors, and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Non-drug therapies that are reviewed include lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise, improvements in sleep, decreasing stress, and varicocele repair. The high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the United States suggests that disease modification could represent a viable treatment approach for affected men with hypogonadism. CONCLUSIONS These alternatives to TTh can increase testosterone levels and should be considered before TTh. Lo EM, Rodriguez KM, Pastuszak AW, Khera M. Alternatives to Testosterone Therapy: A Review. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:106-113.
2.
Ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome: Current options.
Legro, RS
Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology. 2016;:152-159
Abstract
There are a variety of effective treatment options to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The most effective treatments are primarily reproductive and target the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is headed toward replacing clomiphene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, as the first-choice option. Metabolic treatments likely work indirectly through the HPO axis. Many metabolic treatments have shown initial promise and later failed (troglitozone or d-chiro-inositol) or disappointed (metformin); further studies are needed of newer agents to treat type 2 diabetes. Weight loss interventions, lifestyle related, through obesity drugs or through bariatric surgery have shown mixed results on pregnancy outcomes. With both reproductive and metabolic treatments, combination therapies (such as metformin and clomiphene together) may offer greater benefit to distinct subgroups of patients.