madman
Super Moderator
* 100 patients were identified as first-time TRT users, with 50 in the subcutaneous group and 50 in the intramuscular group. There was no significant difference in age, pre-TRT testosterone levels, pre-TRT hematocrit levels, or post-TRT hematocrit levels. There was a significant difference in post-TRT testosterone levels, with intramuscular TRT having a higher post-therapy level (p=0.02; Table 1).
* There is no significant difference in post-TRT hematocrit levels between intramuscular and subcutaneous TRT. However, intramuscular TRT did have significantly higher post-therapy testosterone levels compared to subcutaneous TRT.
Freeman, S1; Pohl, D1; Du Comb , W1
1 - Lahey Hospital and Medical Center
Introduction
A known side effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men with hypogonadism is polycythemia. Elevated hematocrit levels can have negative consequences on overall health and can increase one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, organ damage, or blood clots. Polycythemia can also cause several symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. With the development of different routes of testosterone administration, the question of how these various testosterone delivery methods might differentially impact hematocrit levels should be considered.
Objective
To determine whether intramuscular and subcutaneous TRT differ in their effects on hematocrit levels.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was completed of all patients who had received subcutaneous or intramuscular TRT at our institution since 2019. Patients were excluded from the study if they did not have pre- or post-TRT testosterone or hematocrit levels, were younger than 18, or were on a previous TRT regimen prior to starting subcutaneous or intramuscular TRT. Statistical significance was determined using an unpaired t-test for all variables.
Results
100 patients were identified as first-time TRT users, with 50 in the subcutaneous group and 50 in the intramuscular group. There was no significant difference in age, pre-TRT testosterone levels, pre-TRT hematocrit levels, or post-TRT hematocrit levels. There was a significant difference in post-TRT testosterone levels, with intramuscular TRT having a higher post-therapy level (p=0.02; Table 1). A subgroup analysis of patients with hematocrit greater than 45 was also performed, which had no significant difference in hematocrit levels pre- or post-TRT. A linear regression was performed, showing no association between change in testosterone levels and change in hematocrit levels after TRT in either the intramuscular or subcutaneous cohort (R2= 0.0007 and R2= 0.0159).
Conclusions
There is no significant difference in post-TRT hematocrit levels between intramuscular and subcutaneous TRT. However, intramuscular TRT did have significantly higher post-therapy testosterone levels compared to subcutaneous TRT. This data allows providers and patients to choose delivery methods for TRT based on factors aside from hematocrit levels, such as patient preference or cost.
Figure 1. Mean levels of testosterone and hematocrit pre and post testosterone replacement therapy differentiated based on administration route
* There is no significant difference in post-TRT hematocrit levels between intramuscular and subcutaneous TRT. However, intramuscular TRT did have significantly higher post-therapy testosterone levels compared to subcutaneous TRT.
Freeman, S1; Pohl, D1; Du Comb , W1
1 - Lahey Hospital and Medical Center
Introduction
A known side effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men with hypogonadism is polycythemia. Elevated hematocrit levels can have negative consequences on overall health and can increase one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, organ damage, or blood clots. Polycythemia can also cause several symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. With the development of different routes of testosterone administration, the question of how these various testosterone delivery methods might differentially impact hematocrit levels should be considered.
Objective
To determine whether intramuscular and subcutaneous TRT differ in their effects on hematocrit levels.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was completed of all patients who had received subcutaneous or intramuscular TRT at our institution since 2019. Patients were excluded from the study if they did not have pre- or post-TRT testosterone or hematocrit levels, were younger than 18, or were on a previous TRT regimen prior to starting subcutaneous or intramuscular TRT. Statistical significance was determined using an unpaired t-test for all variables.
Results
100 patients were identified as first-time TRT users, with 50 in the subcutaneous group and 50 in the intramuscular group. There was no significant difference in age, pre-TRT testosterone levels, pre-TRT hematocrit levels, or post-TRT hematocrit levels. There was a significant difference in post-TRT testosterone levels, with intramuscular TRT having a higher post-therapy level (p=0.02; Table 1). A subgroup analysis of patients with hematocrit greater than 45 was also performed, which had no significant difference in hematocrit levels pre- or post-TRT. A linear regression was performed, showing no association between change in testosterone levels and change in hematocrit levels after TRT in either the intramuscular or subcutaneous cohort (R2= 0.0007 and R2= 0.0159).
Conclusions
There is no significant difference in post-TRT hematocrit levels between intramuscular and subcutaneous TRT. However, intramuscular TRT did have significantly higher post-therapy testosterone levels compared to subcutaneous TRT. This data allows providers and patients to choose delivery methods for TRT based on factors aside from hematocrit levels, such as patient preference or cost.
Figure 1. Mean levels of testosterone and hematocrit pre and post testosterone replacement therapy differentiated based on administration route
