Sexual hormones in HIV-infected patients: the influence of antiretroviral therapy

AIDS:

12 April 2002 - Volume 16 - Issue 6 - pp 934-937

Research Letters

Sexual hormones in HIV-infected patients: the influence of antiretroviral therapy

Collazos, Julio; Martinez, Eduardo; Mayo, José; Ibarra, Sofia

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Article Outline

Author Information

Section of Infectious Diseases, Hospital de Galdakao, Vizcaya, Spain.

Received: 3 August 2001;

revised: 16 November 2001; accepted: 26 November 2001.

A total of 351 determinations of sexual hormones were carried out in 189 HIV-infected men in stable clinical condition. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was associated with increased levels of both testosterone and 17β-estradiol, but not with luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Protease inhibitors were more associated with testosterone, and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors with 17β-estradiol. The values of both hormones, but not those of LH and FSH, increased with respect to pre-treatment levels in those patients who initiated HAART.

More Information


Higher estradiol in HIV has been associated with gynecomastia (breast enlargement) in a minority of men on non-nucleoside analog HIV medications:
HIV medication induced gynecomastia

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What NOT to do when prescribing testosterone to older men

I covered the results of the study  mentioned below in my book.

It is so strange to me that they did not even mention or monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit in these older men. It is a well known fact that older men have more testosterone to estradiol conversion and more red blood cell increases with the use of testosterone replacement.  Many doctors prescribe low doses of Arimidex to decrease estradiol and edema, and provide phlebotomy (drainage of 2-4 units of blood every 3 months) to older men to have them maximize the benefits of testosterone while minimizing side effects.  A higher than normal estradiol or red blood cell level can produce edema and increased blood viscosity, respectively. Both of these factors can increase cardiovascular risks.

In this study, cardiovascular events included everything from rapid heart beat to light headness, and most of them were not heart attacks or strokes.

Like anything else we take, if side effect management is not present, then the benefits are erased by the side effects.  Sadly, many doctors prescribe testosterone and do not follow their patients properly. Hopefully my book will help!!

www.testosteronewisdom.com

Nelson Vergel

On Thu, Dec 9, 2010 at 3:01 PM, Jules Levin <JuLev@aol.com> wrote:

Testosterone Adverse Events

Adverse Events Associated with Testosterone Administration - publication pdf attached - (12/09/10)

Testosterone Deficiency and Replacement in Older Men - Editorial - (12/09/10)