247 Correlation between testosterone to estradiol ratio and score on the aging males’ symptom scale in late-onset hypogonadism

Abstract

In the diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome, total testosterone (T) levels and symptom scores such as those of the Aging Males’ Symptom Scale (AMS) are considered essential. However, T levels are not generally correlated with symptom scores, making diagnosis difficult. Objective parameters correlated with subjective symptoms would be useful for more accurate diagnosis. The major source of estradiol (E2) in men is conversion from T via aromatase enzyme, and the ratio of T to E2 (T/E ratio) is thought to reflect aromatase activity. Although the T/E ratio has been investigated well in the field of male infertility, there have been few reports of its use in LOH syndrome. We investigated whether there was a correlation between the T/E ratio and the AMS. A consecutive series of 155 patients attending our unit for LOH syndrome (LOH group) and 158 patients with urological problems unrelated to LOH or sexuality (control group) was studied. The relationship between T/E ratio and AMS (both total score and each subscale score) was examined in both groups.