PROSTATE‐SPECIFIC ANTIGEN TESTING IN HYPOGONADISM: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SAFETY OF TESTOSTERONE‐REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Abstract

Hypogonadal men have lower prostate volumes and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels than age‐matched controls. When present, prostate cancer in hypogonadal men is more aggressive than in eugonadal men, and given the lack of specificity of PSA for diagnosing prostate cancer, a more accurate test would be desirable in hypogonadal men. Once testosterone‐replacement therapy is started in hypogonadal men, PSA levels should be measured regularly; however, there is often an initial rise 3–6 months after starting treatment. A rise of >0.5 ng/mL within this time requires further investigation.