Published in:
01-11-2019 | Pituitary Adenoma | Men’s Health (A Dabaja, Section Editor)
Pituitary Dysfunction Among Men Presenting with Hypogonadism
Authors:
Shiri Levy, Mingxue Arguello, Mohamed Macki, Sudhaker D. Rao
Published in:
Current Urology Reports
|
Issue 11/2019
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
Hypogonadism is a common endocrine dysfunction. This review focuses on the most up-to-date guideline for evaluation of pituitary function among men presenting with signs and symptoms of hypogonadism.
Recent Findings
The clinician must differentiate between primary (testicular) and secondary (pituitary-hypothalamic or central) hypogonadisms and be aware of adult-onset hypogonadism. If gonadotropins are low or inappropriately normal, the clinician must consider potential reversible causes in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Also, it is critical to understand the pitfalls of testosterone testing. When clinically indicated, evaluation of other pituitary hormone functions as well as pituitary magnetic resonance imaging may be necessary. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that pituitary incidentalomas are common. Patients with microprolactinoma are more likely to present with symptoms of sexual dysfunction while those with macroprolactinoma are more likely to present with symptoms of mass effect. Some functional pituitary tumors respond to drug therapy while other nonfunctional tumors require surgical intervention.
Summary
It is important for the clinician to understand the proper work-up of the hypogonadal patient with pituitary dysfunction and when necessary to refer to an endocrinologist or a neurosurgeon.