The task force recommended a standardized monitoring plan with evaluation and measures of testosterone levels at 3 months after initiating treatment and annual assessments.
Hematocrit should be measured at baseline, at 3 months, and annually. If hematocrit exceeds 54%, therapy should be stopped until hematocrit decreases to a safe level. Therapy can be restarted at a lower dosage, but evaluations for hypoxia and sleep apnea should be conducted.
Urological consultation is recommended if there is a verified serum or plasma PSA concentration of more than 4.0 ng/mL or an increase in serum or PSA concentration of more than 1.4 ng/mL in a 12-month period.