Prevalence of hypogonadism in men with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study

Background

Hypogonadism is a common finding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the prevalence of hypogonadism in COPD varies among studies. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of hypogonadism in men with and without COPD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with 134 patients with stable COPD and 70 age-matched men with non-COPD. Hypogonadism was defined by the presence of symptoms according to the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males questionnaire, along with total testosterone deficiency (<300 ng/dL).

Results

Patients had a mean age of 68 years (SD, 6), a body mass index of 28 kg/m² (SD, 6), and 17% were current smokers. The prevalence of hypogonadism was 41.8% in COPD men (N = 56, 95%CI, 33–51) and 10.0% in non-COPD men (N = 7, 95%CI, 4–20), with a prevalence ratio of 4.2 (95%CI, 2.0–8.7, p < 0.001). The prevalence of low total testosterone concentrations (<300 ng/dL) were significantly higher in COPD patients vs the control group (47.0% vs 15.7%, p = <0.001). In the COPD group, 89.3% of patients had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and 10.7%, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. The prevalence of hypogonadism was higher in severe vs non-severe COPD patients (55.8% vs 35.2%; p = 0.024).

Conclusions

The prevalence of hypogonadism was high and greater in COPD vs non-COPD men. This study suggests that COPD patients should be screened for hypogonadism.