Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Decrease the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Obese Men: Association with Weight Loss, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Circulating Testosterone.

BACKGROUND: Obesity surgery has shown to decrease the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), but studies that compare different surgical techniques are scarce, especially in men. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in IMT in men after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and its association with circulating testosterone. SETTING: Academic Hospital. METHODS: We studied 40 men with severe obesity, of whom 20 were submitted to laparoscopic RYGB and 20 to SG. Twenty control men matched for age and degree of obesity were also included. Both patients and controls were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after surgery or conventional treatment with diet and exercise, respectively. RESULTS: The mean carotid IMT decreased after surgery irrespective of the surgical technique whereas no changes were observed in the control men submitted to conventional therapy (Wilks' λ = 0.745, P < 0.001 for the interaction, P < 0.001 for RYGB vs. controls, P = 0.001 for SG vs. controls, P = 0.999 for RYGB vs. SG). The decrease in the carotid IMT correlated with the increase in total testosterone (r = 0.428, P = 0.010) and lost BMI (r = 0.486, P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression retained only the decrease in BMI (ß = 0.378, P = 0.003) after adjustment (R2 = 0.245, F = 9.229, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both RYGB and SG decrease carotid IMT in men with obesity compared with conventional treatment with diet and exercise.

Prolactinomas in males: any differences?

CONTEXT: Prolactinomas in men are usually large and invasive, presenting with signs and symptoms of hypogonadism and mass effects, including visual damage. Prolactin levels are high, associated with low testosterone, anemia, metabolic syndrome and if long-standing also osteoporosis. RESULTS: Medical treatment with the dopamine agonist, cabergoline, became the preferred first-line treatment for male prolactinomas as well as for giant tumors, leading to prolactin normalization in ~ 80% of treated men, and tumor shrinkage, improved visual fields and recovery of hypogonadism in most patients. Multi-modal approach including surgery and occasionally radiotherapy together with a high-dose cabergoline is saved for resistant and invasive adenomas. Experimental treatments including temozolomide or pasireotide may improve clinical response in men harboring resistant prolactinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to other pituitary adenomas, secreting and non-secreting, where pituitary surgery is the recommended first-line treatment, men with prolactinomas will usually respond to medical treatment with no need for any additional treatment.

A Phenotypic Female Adolescent with Primary Amenorrhea and Dysmorphic Features.

We report on a case of a 14-year-old phenotypic female with a microdeletion at 13q31.1-q31.3, dysmorphic facial and limb features, and neurologic symptoms. She presented to her pediatrician with concerns for delayed puberty, and laboratory analysis revealed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. She was found to have an XY karyotype and streak gonads. Further genetic studies did not reveal another cause for her gonadal dysgenesis and, to our knowledge, an association with her known 13q-microdeletion has not yet been reported. Given the risk of malignancy with XY gonadal dysgenesis, the patient had surgery to remove the gonads and had no postoperative complications after a 6-month follow-up visit. We also discuss the role of the pediatrician in cases of delayed puberty, from initial diagnosis to definitive management. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(12):e495-e500.].

Effects of Bariatric Surgery in Male Obesity-Associated Hypogonadism.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of obesity has grown exponentially over the last several decades. Research has linked male obesity to changes in the gonadal axis, which can induce functional hypogonadism. Bariatric surgery provides sustained weight loss and metabolic improvement. This was a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the male gonadal axis and metabolic profiles of obese individuals during the bariatric pre- and post-operative periods while comparing them to a normal body mass index (BMI) group. METHODS: Twenty-nine obese men, who underwent bariatric surgery between 2012 and 2016 at the Federal University of Santa Catarina Hospital and a control group (CG) of 29 age-matched men with normal BMI, were analyzed. Bariatric pre- and 6-month post-operative data were compared with the CG. RESULTS: The study group (G1) presented an average age, weight, and BMI of 42.8 ± 9.5 years, 155.2 ± 25.8 kg, and 50.6 ± 7.1 kg/m2, respectively. The pre-operative total testosterone (TT) G1 values were different from the CG (229.5 ± 96.4 versus 461.5 ± 170.8 ng/dL, p < 0.01). Bariatric surgery promoted a statistically significant improvement in weight, TT, and metabolic profiles in surgical patients. CONCLUSION: Functional hypogonadism is prevalent in obese men, and we must be aware of this diagnosis. Although studies defining the best diagnostic parameters and indication of adequate hormone replacement therapy are lacking, an increase in TT levels during the first 6 months after bariatric surgery was identified in our study. Previous studies have shown that gonadal function can normalize after metabolic improvement.

Lack of Improvement of Sperm Characteristics in Obese Males After Obesity Surgery Despite the Beneficial Changes Observed in Reproductive Hormones.

BACKGROUND: Even though obesity surgery normalizes circulating testosterone concentrations in males with obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism, its impact on spermatogenesis remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate sperm characteristics in obese men after bariatric surgery as well as changes in reproductive hormones. METHODS: Twenty severely obese men (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2) were evaluated before and 2 years after bariatric surgery. The serum was assayed for insulin, leptin, kisspeptin, and inhibin B, among other hormones. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was estimated. We used World Health Organization reference values for sperm analysis. RESULTS: After surgery, serum total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, inhibin B, and kisspeptin increased, whereas fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin concentrations decreased. Despite these improvements, sperm volume showed a small decrease after surgery, while the rest of sperm characteristics remained mostly unchanged. Abnormal sperm concentration persisted in 60% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sperm characteristics may not improve after bariatric surgery despite the beneficial changes of reproductive hormones.

Varicocele Repair Versus Testosterone Therapy for Older Hypogonadal Men with Clinical Varicocele and Low Testosterone.

As men age, serum testosterone levels decrease. This reduction in testosterone levels may cause symptoms leading to hypogonadism. In addition, the presence of a varicocele can impair Leydig cell function, resulting in decreased testosterone production in men. Varicocelectomy and testosterone replacement therapy are both viable treatment options for hypogonadism in elderly male patients. The correct modality of treatment will vary for each patient, but education is essential in order to help men understand their options. Testosterone therapy (TTh) with laboratory monitoring will likely appeal to many men who want to avoid surgery, but for men with hypogonadism and a varicocele, a one-time low-risk microsurgery with the potential to negate the need for further therapy presents an attractive alternative to lifelong TTh. PATIENT SUMMARY: Varicocelectomy and testosterone therapy (TTh) are viable treatment options for hypogonadism in elderly male patients. Treatment modality will vary for each patient, but education is essential to help them understand their options. Although TTh with laboratory monitoring may appeal to men wanting to avoid surgery, those with hypogonadism and a varicocele would likely prefer a one-time low-risk microsurgery to lifelong TTh.

Primary adrenal insufficiency due to hereditary apolipoprotein AI amyloidosis: endocrine involvement beyond hypogonadism.

Several mutations in the gene encoding apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) have been described as a cause of familial amyloidosis. Individuals with apoAI-derived (AApoAI) amyloidosis frequently manifest with liver, kidney, laryngeal, skin and myocardial involvement. Although primary hypogonadism (PH) is considered almost pathognomonic of this disease, until now, primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) has not been described as a common clinical feature. Here, we report the first kindred with AApoAI amyloidosis in which PAI is well-documented. All family members with the Leu60_Phe71delins60Val_61Thr heterozygous mutation who were regularly followed-up at our centre were considered. Nineteen individuals had the confirmed APOA1 deletion/insertion mutation, with detailed medical records available in 11 cases. Of these, 6 had PAI and 3 (all males) had PH. Among them, one 47-year-old man, not previously diagnosed with PAI, developed adrenal crisis after liver transplantation, precipitated by an opportunistic infection. Transplantation due to organ failure, which necessitates use of immunosuppressive medication such as corticosteroids, is frequently required during the course of hereditary amyloidosis. Consequently, PAI can remain masked, being discovered only when an adrenal crisis develops. Therefore, according to the present evidence, patients with AApoAI amyloidosis should be submitted to regular testing of corticotrophin and cortisol levels in order to avoid delaying corticosteroid replacement.

Increased Free Testosterone Levels in Men with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Five Years After Randomization to Bariatric Surgery.

Hypogonadism frequently occurs in male patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is linked to insulin resistance and inflammation. Testosterone levels rise acutely in obese patients following bariatric surgery, though long-term changes have not been investigated in a randomized controlled trial. This study evaluated obese men with T2DM randomized to either bariatric surgery or medical therapy. Testosterone, gonadotropins, body composition, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory markers were evaluated in 32 patients at baseline and at 5 years. Surgical patients had 47.4% increase in free testosterone compared to medical therapy patients who had 2.2% decrease (P = 0.013). Increase in free testosterone correlated with reduction in body weight, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and leptin levels. Prolonged improvements in testosterone levels after bariatric surgery in T2DM are found to be related to reduction in body weight and adipogenic inflammation.

Decreased visceral fat area correlates with improved total testosterone levels after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in obese Chinese males with type 2 diabetes: a 12-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are recognized as risk factors for hypogonadism in males. Serum sex hormone profiles have not been assessed adequately in obese Chinese males with T2D who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the changes in sex hormone profiles, anthropometric parameters, and metabolic indexes before and after RYGB. SETTING: University Hospital, China. METHODS: There were 45 obese males with T2D who had undergone RYGB enrolled in this retrospective study, focusing on anthropometric parameters, metabolic indexes, and sex hormone profiles before and after surgery. RESULTS: The baseline prevalence of hypogonadism (defined by total testosterone [TT] levels<8 nM) was 33.33%. After surgery, both the levels of TT and sex hormone-binding globulin increased, while the levels of estradiol decreased. However, the calculated free testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels remained unchanged. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the visceral fat area was the only significant and independent parameter associated with TT levels at baseline (ß = -.479, P = .001). After surgery, decreases in the visceral fat area continued to be negatively associated with increases in TT (r = -.411, P = .024). CONCLUSION: These preliminary results demonstrated that TT could be significantly increased in obese Chinese males with T2D after RYGB; this occurs in part via a reduction in adipose tissue, especially visceral fat. Therefore, RYGB might be a promising therapy to treat hypogonadism in obese men with T2D.

Efficacy of varicocelectomy in the treatment of hypogonadism in subfertile males with clinical varicocele: A meta-analysis.

To reassess the efficacy of varicocelectomy in the treatment of hypogonadism in subfertile males, we carried out a meta-analysis of clinical trials and retrospective studies that compared the pre-operative and postoperative serum testosterone. We searched Embase and PubMed (1980 to May 2016) for studies. Eight studies and 712 patients were included. The combined analysis of seven studies discovered that the mean serum testosterone of patients post-operation improved by 34.3 ng/dl (95% CI: 22.57-46.04, p < .00001, I² = 0.0%) compared with their pre-operative levels. In subgroup analysis, testosterone improvements in the hypogonadal treated subgroup were more significant (improved by 123 ng/dl, 95% CI: 114.61-131.35, p < .00001, I2  = 37%) than in the eugonadals, or the untreated controls. In an analysis of surgery versus untreated control (three studies included), results showed that mean testosterone among hypogonadals increased by 105.65 ng/dl (95% CI: 77.99-133.32), favouring varicocelectomy, as the differences were significant (p < .00001), However, there were insignificant differences in eugonadals (p = .36). In conclusion, varicocelectomy significantly improved testosterone in hypogonadal men with subfertility. Active surgical treatment of varicocele might have a benefit of maintaining healthy androgen levels in subfertile men.

Clomiphene citrate treatment for late onset hypogonadism: rise and fall

ABSTRACT Objective: Previous series have demonstrated that Clomiphene Citrate (CC) is an effective treatment to increase Total Testosterone (TT) in Late Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) patients. However, what happens to TT levels after ending CC treatment is still debatable. The objective of this study is to evaluate TT levels 3 months after the discontinuation of CC in patients with LOH who were previously successfully treated with the same drug. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with LOH that were successfully treated (achieved TT levels >11nmol/l) with CC 50mgs daily for 50 days were prospectively recruited in our Andrological outpatient clinic. CC was then stopped for 3 months and TT levels were measured at the end of this period. Results: Mean TT level before discontinuation of CC was 22.7±8.1nmol/L (mean±SD). Three months after discontinuation, mean TT level significantly decreased in all patients, 10.2±3.9nmol/l (p<0.01). Twenty-one patients (78%) decreased TT levels under 11nmol/L. Six patients (22%) had TT levels that remained within the normal recommended range (≥11nmol/l). No statistical significant differences were observed between both groups. Conclusion: In the short term LOH does not seem to be a reversible condition in most patients after CC treatment. More studies with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the kinetics of TT in LOH.

Prediction of Long-term Post-operative Testosterone Replacement Requirement Based on the Pre-operative Tumor Volume and Testosterone Level in Pituitary Macroadenoma.

Non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPAs) are the most prevalent pituitary macroadenomas. One common symptom of NFPA is hypogonadism, which may require long-term hormone replacement. This study was designed to clarify the association between the pre-operative tumor volume, pre-operative testosterone level, intraoperative resection status and the need of long-term post-operative testosterone replacement. Between 2004 and 2012, 45 male patients with NFPAs were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Hypogonadism was defined as total serum testosterone levels of <2.4 ng/mL. The tumor volume was calculated based on the pre- and post-operative magnetic resonance images. We prescribed testosterone to patients with defined hypogonadism or clinical symptoms of hypogonadism. Hormone replacement for longer than 1 year was considered as long-term therapy. The need for long-term post-operative testosterone replacement was significantly associated with larger pre-operative tumor volume (p = 0.0067), and lower pre-operative testosterone level (p = 0.0101). There was no significant difference between the gross total tumor resection and subtotal resection groups (p = 0.1059). The pre-operative tumor volume and testosterone level impact post-operative hypogonadism. By measuring the tumor volume and the testosterone level and by performing adequate tumor resection, surgeons will be able to predict post-operative hypogonadism and the need for long-term hormone replacement.

Hypogonadism as an additional indication for bariatric surgery in male morbid obesity?

OBJECTIVE: Male obesity is often associated with reduced levels of circulating total (TT) and calculated free testosterone (cFT), with normal/reduced gonadotropins. Bariatric surgery often improves sex steroid and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of bariatric surgery on waist circumference (WC) and BMI, and on TT levels, in morbidly obese men, stratified, according to the gonadal state, in eugonadal and hypogonadal (TT<8 nmol/l) subjects. DESIGN: A cohort of morbidly obese patients (29 with hypogonadism (HG) and 26 without) undergoing bariatric surgery (37, 10, 6, and 2, with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, biliopancreatic diversion and gastric sleeve, respectively) was studied at 6 and 12 months from the operation. METHODS: Anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, WC) and sex hormones (gonadotropins, TT, cFT, estradiol (E2), SHBG) were assessed. RESULTS: WC was the only parameter significantly correlated with androgens, but not with E2, SHBG, and gonadotropins, at baseline. After surgery, a significant increase in TT, cFT, and SHBG, accompanied by a decrease in E2, was evident in the two groups. However, both TT and cFT, but not E2, SHBG, and gonadotropin variations, were significantly higher in the hypogonadal group at follow-up, with an overall 93% complete recovery from HG. Reduction in WC, but not BMI, was significantly greater in hypogonadal men (ΔWC=-29.4±21.6 vs -14.4±17.4 at 12 months, P=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Recovery from obesity-associated HG is one of the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese men. The present findings suggest that the gonadal state is a predictor of WC decrease after bariatric surgery.

[Risks and benefits: new concepts of treatment of late-onset hypogonadism].

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a clinical and bio-chemical syndrome associated with advancing age in males and seriously affects the quality of life of some of the patients. A classical therapeutic option for LOH is testosterone supplementary treatment (TST). Its effectiveness has been verified, whereas its long-term safety remains to be further evaluated. With deeper insights into LOH, many new therapeutic strategies have been proposed, which include the treatments with gonadotropins, testosterone precursors (such as dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]), non-aromatizable androgens (such as dihydrotestosterone [DHT]), antiestrogens (such as aromatase inhibitors and estrogen receptor antagonists), and Chinese medicine. Meanwhile, studies on the transplantation of Leydig stem cells, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and selective estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) agonists have shed new light on the treatment of LOH.

Gonadal status and outcome of bariatric surgery in obese men.

BACKGROUND: Obesity-related hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (OrHH) occurs in over 40% of morbidly obese men. Obesity-related hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism may reduce the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of OrHH on the outcome of bariatric surgery in men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study with measurement of serum gonadal hormones, and assessment of body composition, glucose, lipid and bone metabolism during the first year after bariatric surgery in 13 men with OrHH (free testosterone (free T) <225 pmol/l) and 11 age-matched eugonadal morbidly obese men (free T > 225 pmol/l). RESULTS: Serum free T was inversely related to body weight (R = -0·65, P < 0·0001) and rose gradually after bariatric surgery, in eugonadal as well as in OrHH men, by 30 pmol/l for every 10 kg loss of weight. In three patients, serum free T remained within the hypogonadal range despite substantial weight loss. Gonadal hormone status prior to surgery did not affect the 1-year outcome of surgery. CONCLUSION: Obesity-related hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is a reversible condition in the majority of obese men. It does not reduce the efficacy of bariatric surgery. Preoperative weight-adjusted normal values are recommended to avoid an incorrect diagnosis of hypogonadism in obese men.

Osteocalcin increase after bariatric surgery predicts androgen recovery in hypogonadal obese males.

OBJECTIVE: Bone modulates testis function through osteocalcin (OCN) production. This paper assesses the association between serum OCN and androgen production recovery in morbidly obese males at 9 months after bariatric surgery. SUBJECTS: A cohort of n=103 obese males with mean±s.d. body mass index (BMI) 47.7±8.2 kg m(-2), age 42±11 years, consisting of n=76 patients undergoing gastric bypass and n=27 in the waiting list for surgery. RESULTS: At 9 months from surgery, a significant increase was observed in mean±s.d. total OCN (tOCN=10.4±10.3 ng ml(-1), P<0.001) and undercarboxylated OCN (ucOCN=5.4±3.7 ng ml(-1), P<0.001), total testosterone (TT, 5.6±6.5 nM, P<0.001) and calculated free testosterone (cFT, 0.035±0.133 nM, P<0.006), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG, 21.2±16.7 nM, P<0.001) and decrease in estradiol (E2, -30.1±51.9 pM, P<0.001) levels only in operated patients, with a significant reduction in BMI (24%) and waist (20%). A positive correlation existed between tOCN and ucOCN (age-adjustment (age-adj.): ß=0.692, P<0.001) and their variations (age-adj.: ß=0.629, P<0.001) after surgery. Multivariate analysis in operated patients showed a significant positive association between variations in tOCN and TT (age-adj.: ß=0.289, P=0.012), SHBG (age-adj.: ß=0.326, P=0.005) but not with cFT variation. tOCN, but not luteinizing hormone (LH) variation was the only significant predictive factor of cFT recovery in the hypogonadal (TT<12 nM) operated subjects even after age- and BMI-adjustment (adj.: ß=0.582, P<0.05). cFT improvement was significantly higher when considering operated patients with tOCN increase (0.045±0.123 vs -0.02±0.118 nM, P=0.015), hypogonadism (0.059±0.111 vs -0.059±0.138 nM, P=0.002) and younger than 35 years (0.102±0.108 vs -0.019±0.123 nM, P=0.009). CONCLUSION: OCN recovery observed after bariatric surgery is significantly associated with cFT improvement independently of BMI variation and age in hypogonadal morbidly obese males.

Body weight loss reverts obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Few randomized clinical studies have evaluated the impact of diet and physical activity on testosterone levels in obese men with conflicting results. Conversely, studies on bariatric surgery in men generally have shown an increase in testosterone levels. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of available trials on the effect of body weight loss on sex hormones levels. DESIGN: Meta-analysis. METHODS: An extensive Medline search was performed including the following words: 'testosterone', 'diet', 'weight loss', 'bariatric surgery', and 'males'. The search was restricted to data from January 1, 1969 up to August 31, 2012. RESULTS: Out of 266 retrieved articles, 24 were included in the study. Of the latter, 22 evaluated the effect of diet or bariatric surgery, whereas two compared diet and bariatric surgery. Overall, both a low-calorie diet and bariatric surgery are associated with a significant (P<0.0001) increase in plasma sex hormone-binding globulin-bound and -unbound testosterone levels (total testosterone (TT)), with bariatric surgery being more effective in comparison with the low-calorie diet (TT increase: 8.73 (6.51-10.95) vs 2.87 (1.68-4.07) for bariatric surgery and the low-calorie diet, respectively; both P<0.0001 vs baseline). Androgen rise is greater in those patients who lose more weight as well as in younger, non-diabetic subjects with a greater degree of obesity. Body weight loss is also associated with a decrease in estradiol and an increase in gonadotropins levels. Multiple regression analysis shows that the degree of body weight loss is the best determinant of TT rise (B=2.50±0.98, P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that weight loss is associated with an increase in both bound and unbound testosterone levels. The normalization of sex hormones induced by body weight loss is a possible mechanism contributing to the beneficial effects of surgery in morbid obesity.

[Issues inherent to the management of disorders of sex development in Point G Hospital]. / Problématique de la prise en charge des anomalies de la différenciation sexuelle dans le service d'urologie : CHU Point G.

Abnormal sexual development causes unconformity between gender identity and gender role. In countries with low socio-economic level, the optimal management is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, the genital anatomy appearance, the diagnostic and the surgical management of disorders of sex development (DSD) discovered during the adolescence. Between January 2005 and November 2006 (23 months), five patients with abnormal sexual development were identified in Point G Hospital. First-line testing included biology measurement and imaging. A surgical management was systematically offered. Median age was 19.5±11.8 years (6-31). All patients were initially assigned male. Sexual dimorphic with genital ambiguity was the first reason of consultation (three children to five). One patient had male breast development and one had pelvic pain. All clinical evaluation suggested genital ambiguity. The diagnostic was female pseudohermaphrodism in three cases, true hermaphrodism in one case and hypogonadism for one patient. A masculinizing genital surgery was performed in three cases. The other patients refused the treatment or were out of sight. Intersex disorders are relatively rare in Mali with a prevalence of 2.30‰ in our hospital. This study highlighted the lack of financial means and local resources for optimal clinical management of individuals with DSD.

Age as a predictive factor of testosterone improvement in male patients after bariatric surgery: preliminary results of a monocentric prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Male obesity can be associated with symptomatic alterations in sex hormones resulting in hypogonadism and impaired fertility. Surgical-induced weight loss can improve the sex hormone profile in men. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the levels of sex hormones in obese males before and after 6 months from bariatric surgery. Possible mechanisms and clinical implications are also discussed. METHODS: We evaluated levels of serum total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), calculated free testosterone (cFT), follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and total estradiol (E2) in 20 male patients at the baseline and 6 months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Median [interquartile range] age at the time of surgery was 40.5 [27.2-46.7] years with a median [interquartile range] BMI of 43.6 [40.9-48.7] kg/m(2). The median baseline levels of TT, SHBG, cFT, LH, and FSH were reduced; levels of E2 were elevated. At 6 months from surgery, the median BMI dropped to 34.8 [31.7-40.5] kg/m(2), TT, SHBG, cFT, LH, and FSH increased, while levels of E2 decreased. The improvement in the sex hormone profile was more evident in younger patients, with a statistically significant difference in cFT following surgery and in the raise of TT and cFT between the groups of patients below and above 35 years. At multivariate analysis, the age was the best predictive factor of the postoperative variations of TT. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results confirm the general improvement in sex hormone profile in obese men after bariatric surgery and introduce the age as a possible contributing factor to this improvement.