Other hormonal therapies and men’s health

While exogenous testosterone therapy is a very effective treatment for male testosterone deficiency, it carries a significant risk of infertility. Other hormonal, nontestosterone formulations, such as luteinizing hormone agonists, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors, are currently available as alternative therapeutic options. These substances all influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis at different levels of gonadotropin production and not only correct testosterone deficiency but also either preserve or restore fertility potential in affected men. In this chapter, the authors discuss these three classes of commonly used medications, their biochemical mechanisms, hormonal effects, as well as known risks and overall health benefits.