Endocrine: Androgens, anti-androgens and anabolic steroids. Flashcards
In the normal male, androgens have what effect?
Inhibit pituitary gonadotrophin secretion and depress spermatogenesis.
When given to patients with hypopituitarism, androgens cause what?
They can lead to normal sexual development and potency but not to fertility.
If fertility is desired, the usual treatment is with gonadotrophins or pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone which will stimulate spermatogenesis as well as androgen production.
If fertility is desired in patients with hypopituitarism, what is the usual treatment?
If fertility is desired, the usual treatment is with gonadotrophins or pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone which will stimulate spermatogenesis as well as androgen production.
Cyproterone acetate is an anti-androgen used in the treatment of what? (4)
- Severe hypersexuality and sexual deviation in the male.
- Patients with metastatic prostate cancer refractory to gonadorelin analogue therapy.
- Adjunct in prostatic cancer.
- Treatment of acne and hirsutism in women.
Why should fully informed consent be obtained and an initial spermatogram before treatment with cyproterone acetate is used?
It inhibits spermatogenesis and produces reversible infertility (not a male contraceptive): abnormal sperm forms are produced.
Dutasteride and finasteride are alternatives to what drug class in men with significantly enlarged prostates?
Alpha-blockers.
What else is finasteride used for, other than enlarged prostate alone and male-pattern baldness in men (at a low strength)?
It is also licensed for the combination treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with doxazosin.
Anabolic steroids have some androgenic activity but they cause less virilisation than androgens in women. They have been used in the treatment of some what?
Some aplastic anaemias.
