Endocrinology
Male Hypogonadism
Diagnose male hypogonadism only when compatible clinical features coexist with repeatedly low early-morning testosterone, then use gonadotropins to separate testicular failure from central disease, protect fertility, identify reversible causes, and select monitored testosterone replacement when indicated.
Diagnosis
Confirm deficiency before labeling or treating
Test only when the result will explain compatible clinical findings or change management.
Diagnose male hypogonadism only when symptoms or signs consistent with androgen deficiency coexist with unequivocally and consistently low serum total testosterone and/or free testosterone when indicated. Do not screen the general male population routinely. endocrine+1endocrineTestosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Societyendocrine[PDF] Endocrine Society Testimony to the
Obtain total testosterone on at least two separate early-morning samples, preferably before 10 AM; one commonly used biochemical threshold is total testosterone below 300 ng/dL, but interpret results against the reporting laboratory reference interval. A fasting early-morning total testosterone below 300 ng/dL on two occasions in a symptomatic man supports the diagnosis in most cases. BMJ+1BMJHypogonadism in men - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best PracticejaccTestosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACC
Order free testosterone when altered sex hormone-binding globulin may make total testosterone misleading: total testosterone may be low with reduced SHBG in obesity or diabetes and may be elevated with increased SHBG during aging. A discordant total testosterone result should therefore prompt free-testosterone assessment rather than empiric replacement. jaccjaccTestosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACC
Do not diagnose biochemical hypogonadism from a single low value. Repeat an early-morning measurement before treatment. BMJ+2BMJHypogonadism in men - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best PracticejaccTestosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACCendocrine[PDF] Endocrine Society Testimony to the
If testosterone is repeatedly low but the phenotype is nonspecific, identify comorbid or medication-related contributors before assigning a lifelong replacement indication. FDA approval is limited to men with deficient testosterone associated with a medical condition. fdafdaFDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products | FDA
In delayed puberty or absent/incomplete sexual development, prioritize congenital and childhood-onset etiologies rather than applying an adult late-onset framework. fda+1fdaPediatric Male HypogonadismNatureEuropean Consensus Statement on congenital hypogonadotropic ...
Etiology
Use LH and FSH to direct the next workup
Gonadotropin pattern determines whether to evaluate the testes or hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
After confirming low testosterone, measure LH and FSH to distinguish primary from secondary hypogonadism. Elevated gonadotropins with low testosterone reflect impaired testicular testosterone production; low or normal gonadotropins with low testosterone are inappropriately low and indicate hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. dailymed nlm nih+2dailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953jaccTestosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACCendocrineTestosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Society
For primary hypogonadism, target the history and examination to testicular failure. FDA labeling identifies cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing testis syndrome, orchiectomy, Klinefelter syndrome, chemotherapy, and toxic injury from alcohol or heavy metals as causes. Klinefelter syndrome classically presents with tall stature, relatively long legs, small firm testes, gynecomastia, azoospermia, and progressive hypogonadism; confirm suspected cases with karyotype testing. dailymed nlm nih+1dailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953ScienceDirectKlinefelter syndrome: more than hypogonadism
For secondary hypogonadism, ask specifically about pituitary tumor, head trauma, cranial irradiation, and congenital GnRH deficiency. Obtain serum prolactin if a pituitary tumor is a concern; suspected hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or pituitary disease is an indication for pituitary MRI. dailymed nlm nih+2dailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953jaccTestosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACCWileyManagement of Azoospermia: A Systematic Approach - Raza - 2026
In men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, delayed or arrested puberty is the usual presentation. In infancy, cryptorchidism with or without micropenis should trigger consideration of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with gonadotropin and sex-steroid profiling at 4 to 8 weeks during mini-puberty. NatureNatureEuropean Consensus Statement on congenital hypogonadotropic ...
Primary pattern: low testosterone plus elevated LH/FSH; investigate testicular injury, prior gonadotoxic therapy, congenital disorders, and Klinefelter syndrome. dailymed nlm nih+1dailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953ScienceDirectKlinefelter syndrome: more than hypogonadism
Central pattern: low testosterone plus low/normal LH/FSH; assess prolactin and pursue pituitary-directed evaluation when clinical suspicion is present. jacc+1jaccTestosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACCWileyManagement of Azoospermia: A Systematic Approach - Raza - 2026
In a man with treated prolactinoma and persistent hypogonadism, reassess the gonadal axis at 6-month intervals because recovery may eliminate the replacement indication. NatureNatureDiagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas
Prolactinoma-associated hypogonadism
For men receiving prolactinoma therapy who remain hypogonadal for more than 6 months, testosterone replacement can be considered, with caution in large adenomas because of potential adenoma growth. Re-evaluate the testosterone indication every 6 months using prolactin and gonadal-axis results. NatureNatureDiagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas
Men with persistent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism despite dopamine-agonist treatment and normalized prolactin who desire fertility should receive gonadotropin treatment rather than exogenous testosterone. NatureNatureDiagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas
Treatment
Select replacement only after fertility and indication review
Testosterone treatment is replacement therapy, not a substitute for etiologic evaluation.
Offer testosterone therapy to men with confirmed hypogonadism to induce and maintain secondary sexual characteristics and correct manifestations of testosterone deficiency. FDA-approved products are indicated for males with low testosterone associated with primary or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and are not approved solely for age-related testosterone decline. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] 202763Orig1s000 | FDA - accessdata.fda.govfdaFDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products | FDAendocrineTestosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Society
Before prescribing, establish reproductive intent. Exogenous testosterone suppresses spermatogenesis and can produce azoospermia; it is therefore inappropriate for men actively seeking fertility. In persistent central hypogonadism after prolactinoma treatment, use gonadotropin treatment when fertility is desired. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.govdailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953NatureDiagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas
Choose formulation based on adherence, route preference, exposure risk, and monitoring. Available U.S. testosterone formulations include injections, topical gels and solutions, patches, buccal systems, nasal gel, implantable pellets, and oral products. Topical products can cause local irritation and create transfer risk; nasal formulations require three-times-daily dosing. accessdata fda+1accessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.govfdaFDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products | FDA
For testosterone gel 1%, the labeled adult starting dose is 50 mg applied topically once daily. Do not interchange topical products by milligram dose because strengths, application instructions, and systemic exposure differ among products. accessdata fdaaccessdata fda[PDF] 202763Orig1s000 | FDA - accessdata.fda.gov
For weekly subcutaneous testosterone enanthate, FDA-reviewed dosing is 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg once weekly. Select a formulation only after ensuring that the patient can follow route-specific administration and monitoring requirements. accessdata fdaaccessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.gov
Counsel patients using topical testosterone to prevent secondary exposure: application-site contact should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible. accessdata fdaaccessdata fda[PDF] 202763Orig1s000 | FDA - accessdata.fda.gov
Do not use testosterone to preserve fertility; suppression of spermatogenesis is an expected pharmacologic consequence. accessdata fda+1accessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.govdailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953
Use testosterone only after confirming persistent biochemical deficiency and compatible clinical features, not for nonspecific symptoms with an unconfirmed testosterone abnormality. endocrine+1endocrineTestosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Societyendocrine[PDF] Endocrine Society Testimony to the
Follow-up
Monitor treatment response, erythrocytosis, prostate signals, and formulation harms
Continue therapy only when clinical benefit is accompanied by acceptable safety surveillance.
Adjust testosterone therapy to achieve physiologic serum testosterone concentrations and improve relevant clinical features without inducing erythrocytosis. Testosterone products can increase hematocrit and PSA; monitor these parameters during treatment. accessdata fda+1accessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.govBMJHypogonadism in men - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice
During the first 12 months, obtain urologic consultation for a confirmed PSA increase greater than 1.4 ng/mL above baseline, a confirmed PSA greater than 4.0 ng/mL, or a prostatic abnormality on digital rectal examination. After 1 year, follow standard prostate-cancer screening guidance based on age and race. endocrineendocrineTestosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Society
Assess for treatment-related edema, particularly in men with pre-existing cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease because androgens can promote sodium and water retention and may cause serious edema with or without congestive heart failure. Ask about sleep-apnea worsening in patients with baseline risk factors and evaluate persistent gynecomastia. accessdata fda+1accessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] 202763Orig1s000 | FDA - accessdata.fda.gov
FDA’s 2025 class-wide review incorporated TRAVERSE findings showing no increase in major adverse cardiovascular outcomes in men using testosterone for hypogonadism. FDA also required class-wide labeling changes based on ambulatory blood-pressure studies; account for blood-pressure risk during treatment surveillance. fdafdaFDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products | FDA
Track hematocrit because erythrocytosis is a dose-limiting treatment complication. accessdata fda+1accessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.govBMJHypogonadism in men - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice
Recheck PSA changes rather than acting on an unconfirmed isolated increase; the referral triggers require confirmed PSA change or level. endocrineendocrineTestosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Society
Reassess ongoing need in reversible central etiologies, especially treated prolactinoma, at 6-month intervals. NatureNatureDiagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas
Stop framing testosterone as fertility-neutral: azoospermia is a recognized risk of exogenous androgen exposure. accessdata fda+1accessdata fda[PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.govdailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953
Common questions
Should an older man with low testosterone receive testosterone therapy for age-related decline alone?
No. FDA-approved testosterone is limited to men with low testosterone associated with an underlying medical condition; treatment should follow confirmation of compatible clinical features and consistently low testosterone. fda+1fdaFDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products | FDAendocrineTestosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Society
When does low testosterone require pituitary evaluation?
Low testosterone with low or inappropriately normal LH and FSH indicates central hypogonadism. Measure prolactin when pituitary tumor is a concern and obtain pituitary MRI for suspected hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or pituitary disease. dailymed nlm nih+2dailymed nlm nihThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953jaccTestosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACCWileyManagement of Azoospermia: A Systematic Approach - Raza - 2026
References
- [PDF] Risk Assessment adn Risk Mitigation Review(s) - accessdata.fda.gov — www.accessdata.fda.gov · www.accessdata.fda.gov
- [PDF] 202763Orig1s000 | FDA - accessdata.fda.gov — www.accessdata.fda.gov · www.accessdata.fda.gov
- FDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products | FDA — www.fda.gov · www.fda.gov
- [PDF] ANDRODERM - DailyMed — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- These highlights do not include all the information needed to use TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1% safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TESTOSTERONE GEL, 1%. TESTOSTERONE gel 1%, for topical use, CIII Initial U.S. Approval: 1953 — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- Pediatric Male Hypogonadism — www.fda.gov · www.fda.gov
- Hypogonadism in men - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice — bestpractice.bmj.com · bestpractice.bmj.com
- Supplementary appendix - The Lancet — www.thelancet.com · www.thelancet.com
- Reversal of Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism — www.nejm.org · www.nejm.org
- Comment on: Variations in diagnostic criteria for male hypogonadism: is there a need for standardizing specialist society guidelines? | International Journal of Impotence Research — www.nature.com · www.nature.com
- Testosterone and Cardiovascular Disease - JACC — www.jacc.org · www.jacc.org
- Diagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas — www.nature.com · www.nature.com
- Prediction of Long-term Post-operative Testosterone Replacement Requirement Based on the Pre-operative Tumor Volume and Testosterone Level in Pituitary Macroadenoma | Scientific Reports — www.nature.com · www.nature.com
- European Consensus Statement on congenital hypogonadotropic ... — www.nature.com · www.nature.com
- Testosterone Deficiency: A Review and Comparison of Current Guidelines - ScienceDirect — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- Critical Update of the 2010 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Male Hypogonadism: A Systematic Analysis — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Summary of the 2026 Recommendations for Measurement and Biochemical Confirmation of Hypogonadism - ScienceDirect — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- Management of Azoospermia: A Systematic Approach - Raza - 2026 — obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com · obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Klinefelter syndrome: more than hypogonadism — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- Testosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources | Endocrine Society — www.endocrine.org · www.endocrine.org
- [PDF] Endocrine Society Testimony to the — www.endocrine.org · www.endocrine.org
- Expert Opinion on the Diagnosis and Management of Male Hypogonadism in India - PMC — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism - PubMed — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Current National and International Guidelines for the Management ... — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov