Testosterone Replacement Therapy and BPH/LUTS. What is the Evidence?

Curr Urol Rep. 2016 Jun;17(6):46. doi: 10.1007/s11934-016-0600-8.

Abstract

Contrary to the previous dogma that prostatic growth is directly proportional to testosterone levels, emerging research has suggested a lack of testosterone may be a risk factor for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Within this review article, we have demonstrated the current understanding of the physiology of hypogonadism and its interplay with prostatic and lower urinary tract physiology. The current evidence suggests that not only does testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) not worsen LUTS, but that hypogonadism itself is an important risk factor for LUTS/BPH.

Keywords: Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Testosterone replacement therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / drug therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Testosterone