Target Audience and Goal Statement

This activity was developed for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs).

Clinician concerns about the safety and efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) have been implicated as a major reason for undertreatment of hypogonadal men. The solution lies in monitoring patients on TRT to ensure safety while achieving benefits. In both the near term and throughout the patient's course of care, which may be lifelong, a sustained monitoring program offers the best path to successful outcomes. More than just an option, monitoring TRT should be considered an indispensable corollary to the decision to treat. It requires commitment and collaboration by all parties—primary care practitioner, patient, other office health personnel, and specialists who may be consulted—and an understanding of how to proceed over time.

Published guidelines, including those from The Endocrine Society, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, European Association of Urology, International Society of Andrology, and others, are based on evolving principles for TRT monitoring. These principles are thorough and cautious and allow for tailoring to meet the indications and needs of the individual patient.

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Discuss the principles and goals of monitoring testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
2. Explain the timing and purpose of individual tests and evaluations recommended for TRT monitoring.
3. Describe recommended actions in response to findings of TRT monitoring.
4. Recognize the necessity for collaboration of practitioners and patient in TRT monitoring.