Clomiphene or enclomiphene citrate for the treatment of male hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

madman

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ABSTRACT

Objective


This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), specifically clomiphene and enclomiphene, in treating men with functional hypogonadism.


Materials and methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials comparing SERMs with placebo, testosterone (T) gel, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), up to July 2024. The primary endpoints were total testosterone (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Weighted mean differences (MDs) and risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for continuous and binary endpoints, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).


Results

SERM therapy significantly improved TT (MD: 273.76 ng/dL; 95% CI: 191.87-355.66 ng/dL; p < 0.01; I2 = 89%), LH (MD: 4.66 IU/L; 95% CI: 3.37-5.94 IU/L; p < 0.01; I2 = 55%), and FSH (MD: 4.59 IU/L; 95% CI: 2.88-6.30 IU/L; p < 0.01; I2 = 68%) compared to placebo. No significant difference in TT was observed between the SERM and T gel groups. TT levels were significantly higher with SERM therapy and the combined treatment of SERM and hCG compared to hCG alone (158 vs. 153 vs. 134 ng/ dL, respectively; p < 0.002 for both comparisons).


Conclusion

SERM therapy is associated with significantly improved levels of TT, LH, and FSH in hypogonadal men compared to placebo, and significantly enhanced levels of LH and FSH compared to T gel. The findings suggest that SERM therapy effectively increases TT levels in men with functional hypogonadism and should be considered as an alternative to T gel therapy.
 

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Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

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Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

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The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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