TITLE:
A Case Report: Challenge in Treatment of a Rare Condition of Gonadal Agenesis and Bipolar Disease
AUTHORS:
Aytan Mammadova, Dhivya Pahwa, Wefag Ahmed, Mohd Elmugtaba Ibrahim, Nunlee-Bland Gail, Anteneh Zenebe, Wolali A. Odonkor
KEYWORDS:
Congenital Anorchia, Gonadal Agenesis, Suicide Attempt, Bipolar Disease, Hypogonadism
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases,
Vol.11 No.12,
December
28,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background: We report a rare case of congenital bilateral testicular agenesis who presented with a suicide attempt. We pose the question of testosterone therapy could improve his mental health. Case Report: A 36-year-old man was admitted to a psychiatric ward after the suicide attempt. An endocrinology consult is requested to address if hormone replacement therapy could improve his depression and future suicide attempts. His past medical history is significant for gonadal agenesis, testicular implants placement at age 16, bipolar type 1 diagnosed 2 years ago before the presentation. The patient received testosterone replacement treatment at age 13 - 15 years. Since that time, he has not been placed on any testosterone therapy. Physical exam revealed minimal axillary and pubic hair, testicular implants with a microphallus. Laboratory values reflect hypergonadotropic hypogonadism consistent with testicular agenesis. He was suicidal and testosterone treatment was deferred. Discussion: It is a rare case of congenital testicular agenesis with bipolar disorder which was resistant to therapy. The patient had profound hypogonadism, which needed testosterone replacement therapy. However, the therapy was deferred because of an acute psychotic condition. This case also highlights that there is no strong evidence of the effect of hormonal therapy on mental health in this group.