Abstract
Context:
T replacement is being increasingly offered to older men with age-related low T; hence, monitoring prostate health is important during T therapy. Data suggest that estrogens have an independent effect on the prostate and some effects of T on the prostate might be mediated via its aromatization to estradiol. Although some studies have assessed the effects of T replacement on prostate volume, the differential effects of T and estradiol have not been delineated.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to investigate the relative effects of T and estradiol on prostate volume in older men with low T.
Participants:
Thirty-one men, 65 years old or older with total T less than 350 ng/dL (measured by mass spectrometry) participated in the study.
Intervention:
The intervention included randomization to 5 g transdermal T gel (TT), 1 mg oral aromatase inhibitor (AI), or placebo daily for 12 months.
Main Outcome Measures:
The primary outcome was prostate volume measured by transrectal ultrasound at baseline and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included prostate-specific antigen levels and lower urinary tract symptoms score.
Results:
Serum T levels increased in both intervention groups; estradiol levels increased in the TT group, whereas it decreased in the AI group. At 12 months, prostate volume significantly increased (4.5 ± 1.76 cc, P < .05) only in the TT group. Increase in prostate-specific antigen levels were seen in both intervention groups at 6 months (P < .01 and P < .001). The lower urinary tract symptoms score increased only in the TT group (P < .05).
Conclusion:
The tropic effects of T on the prostate are mediated via its aromatization to estradiol. Administration of AI for 12 months to older men was not detrimental to the prostate.
EFFICIENCY OF THE SERUM PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVELS AS A PREDICTOR OF PROSTATE VOLUME AND LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS REPRESENTED BY INTERNATIONAL PROSTATE SYMPTOMS SCORE
