Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
Elevated Estradiol During TRT: To Treat or Not To Treat?
TRT may lead to elevations in serum estradiol (E2) and in some cases to levels above the upper limit of normal. The development of nipple or breast tenderness or frank gynecomastia has been reported in association with TRT, and in these cases, there is a clear indication for the use of aromatase inhibitors to reduce E2. Some authors recommend withdrawal of TRT with subsequent resolution of symptoms, followed by the use of aromatase inhibitors together with reinitiation of TRT [113]. Some clinicians, particularly in the antiaging community, advocate the routine use of aromatase inhibitors with TRT even in the absence of symptoms of estrogen excess. These clinicians believe that maintaining a relatively low estrogen concentration improves male health and the efficacy of TRT.
However, the basis for this belief is uncertain. In one randomized controlled trial, treatment of men with low T with anastrozole normalized T levels, but there was no improvement in symptoms of low T or changes in body composition, muscle strength, or hematocrit [103]. Further studies of this nature are needed. Furthermore, E2 levels in some men treated with aromatase inhibitors decreased below 40 pmol/L (11 pg/mL), considered the threshold at which there is increased risk of developing osteoporotic changes. Additionally, case reports of men with congenital aromatase deficiency suggest that aromatase inhibition may risk decreasing insulin sensitivity, potentially worsened by TRT [44,45].
The only trials identified in this review that compared the use of TRT with and without an aromatase inhibitor were conducted in men with hyposexuality and seizure disorders. One trial showed a significant benefit in sexual interest from the addition of testolactone therapy [114]. A second trial involving 40 men reported a trend toward improved libido in men treated with T and anastrazole over T alone, although this did not reach statistical significance. Some men in the T-only group reported improvement in libido despite increases in E2 with TRT [115].
The results of these studies should be interpreted with caution as it is not clear how this group compares with the larger group of T-deficient men. These men were all treated with antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin and carbemazapime, which increase SHBG, likely through induction of hepatic synthesis, and may therefore impact androgen and estrogen concentrations and metabolism. Impotence, decreased libido, and infertility are common and associated with a deficiency in free T despite normal total T levels [116]. E2 levels are increased in hyposexual men with epilepsy compared with men with normal sexual function and with healthy controls [95].
We therefore find no evidence to support the contention that relative reductions in E2 via the use of aromatase inhibitors or other agents in conjunction with TRT offer benefits beyond that offered by TRT alone. Anecdotally, in our practice, there have been rare cases of men who failed to experience symptomatic benefits from TRT and were found to have elevated E2 concentrations. Some of these men have responded to steps to lower E2 concentrations, either by reduction in T dosage or by addition of aromatase. However, these cases are anecdotal, and even if treatment was beneficial, the rarity of such occurrences does not justify the routine use of aromatase inhibitors together with TRT. Moreover, aromatase inhibitors may reduce E2 levels below a crucial threshold for bone health, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) monitoring should therefore be considered for individuals receiving such therapy.
Source:
Estrogens in Men: Clinical Implications for Sexual Function and the Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency
Ravi Kacker, MD,* Abdulmaged M. Traish, PhD; and Abraham Morgentaler, MD*
*Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Urology, Boston, MA, USA; Laboratory for Sexual Medicine Research, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
International Society for Sexual Medicine
Paper attached and visible to registered ExcelMale members only.
TRT may lead to elevations in serum estradiol (E2) and in some cases to levels above the upper limit of normal. The development of nipple or breast tenderness or frank gynecomastia has been reported in association with TRT, and in these cases, there is a clear indication for the use of aromatase inhibitors to reduce E2. Some authors recommend withdrawal of TRT with subsequent resolution of symptoms, followed by the use of aromatase inhibitors together with reinitiation of TRT [113]. Some clinicians, particularly in the antiaging community, advocate the routine use of aromatase inhibitors with TRT even in the absence of symptoms of estrogen excess. These clinicians believe that maintaining a relatively low estrogen concentration improves male health and the efficacy of TRT.
However, the basis for this belief is uncertain. In one randomized controlled trial, treatment of men with low T with anastrozole normalized T levels, but there was no improvement in symptoms of low T or changes in body composition, muscle strength, or hematocrit [103]. Further studies of this nature are needed. Furthermore, E2 levels in some men treated with aromatase inhibitors decreased below 40 pmol/L (11 pg/mL), considered the threshold at which there is increased risk of developing osteoporotic changes. Additionally, case reports of men with congenital aromatase deficiency suggest that aromatase inhibition may risk decreasing insulin sensitivity, potentially worsened by TRT [44,45].
The only trials identified in this review that compared the use of TRT with and without an aromatase inhibitor were conducted in men with hyposexuality and seizure disorders. One trial showed a significant benefit in sexual interest from the addition of testolactone therapy [114]. A second trial involving 40 men reported a trend toward improved libido in men treated with T and anastrazole over T alone, although this did not reach statistical significance. Some men in the T-only group reported improvement in libido despite increases in E2 with TRT [115].
The results of these studies should be interpreted with caution as it is not clear how this group compares with the larger group of T-deficient men. These men were all treated with antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin and carbemazapime, which increase SHBG, likely through induction of hepatic synthesis, and may therefore impact androgen and estrogen concentrations and metabolism. Impotence, decreased libido, and infertility are common and associated with a deficiency in free T despite normal total T levels [116]. E2 levels are increased in hyposexual men with epilepsy compared with men with normal sexual function and with healthy controls [95].
We therefore find no evidence to support the contention that relative reductions in E2 via the use of aromatase inhibitors or other agents in conjunction with TRT offer benefits beyond that offered by TRT alone. Anecdotally, in our practice, there have been rare cases of men who failed to experience symptomatic benefits from TRT and were found to have elevated E2 concentrations. Some of these men have responded to steps to lower E2 concentrations, either by reduction in T dosage or by addition of aromatase. However, these cases are anecdotal, and even if treatment was beneficial, the rarity of such occurrences does not justify the routine use of aromatase inhibitors together with TRT. Moreover, aromatase inhibitors may reduce E2 levels below a crucial threshold for bone health, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) monitoring should therefore be considered for individuals receiving such therapy.
Source:
Estrogens in Men: Clinical Implications for Sexual Function and the Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency
Ravi Kacker, MD,* Abdulmaged M. Traish, PhD; and Abraham Morgentaler, MD*
*Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Urology, Boston, MA, USA; Laboratory for Sexual Medicine Research, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
International Society for Sexual Medicine
Paper attached and visible to registered ExcelMale members only.
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