119 Staying Above Water: The Impact of Testosterone and Growth Hormone Secretagogues on Fluid Retention Parameters

Abstract

Although fluid retention is a known side effect of both testosterone therapy (TTh) and growth hormone secretagogue supplementation (GHS), it has never been quantified or studied objectively. The mechanisms of action underlying TTh have been well described while GHS represent a relatively new class of medications that manipulate growth hormone secretion directly and via ghrelin receptor activity. This study utilizes impedence-based body composition analysis to determine the effect of TTh and GHS on fluid retention parameters (FRPs) in a cohort of hypogonadal men. To quantify the amount of water retention caused by TTh and GHS using body composition analysis. Men presenting to a single andrology clinic from 2015 to 2017 were evaluated while on therapy using InBody (IB) impedance-based body composition analysis at baseline and at follow-up visits at least three months apart. The study cohort was comprised of hypogonadal men receiving TTh and GHS or TTh alone. Multivariate analysis was used to determine changes in fluid retention parameters over time controlling for baseline body composition, medication type and duration of use. Fluid retention parameters included total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW).