(096) Use of GLP-1 Agonists Associated with Diagnosis of Hypogonadism in Large Retrospective Cohort

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1a) medications are a novel treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), receiving US FDA approval for this indication in 2017. The use of these medications is increasing rapidly for both diabetes and weight loss, and FDA approval was granted for treatment of obesity in 2021. There is evidence that these medications have a direct effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in animal studies and mixed findings in small human studies. The effects on the HPG axis in humans with long-term use has not been described. Objective To determine if there is a correlation between use of GLP-1a medications and subsequent diagnosis of hypogonadism in men. Methods The Marketscan Research database was queried for men who received a prescription for any GLP-1a medication from 2017 to 2020. The length of time on the medication was then compared to subsequent diagnosis of hypogonadism for up to one year after initiation of treatment. Men with a preexisting diagnosis of hypogonadism were excluded. Results The initial query yielded 116,704 patients receiving a prescription for GLP-1a medication. Of these, 26,668 received the prescription for at least 1 year. Of those with prescription duration >1 year, 1,075 (4.0%) men had a new diagnosis of hypogonadism within the next year following GLP1a initiation. The mean age of men was similar between those with and without hypogonadism (50.33 vs 50.26, p = 0.8). Using point-biserial correlation, the length of time on the medication was compared with a new diagnosis of hypogonadism. There was a weak but significant correlation between the time on the medication and new diagnosis of hypogonadism (rpb = -0.015, p = 0.015) Conclusions This large cohort of patients shows a significant correlation between the length of time taking GLP-1a and the subsequent development of hypogonadism within one year of initiating treatment. Along with prior research, this study raises concerns about the use of GLP1a medication and possible long term effects its use. Disclosure No.