Use of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole to treat male infertility

Fertil Steril. 2009 Aug;92(2):829.e1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.05.014. Epub 2009 Jun 12.

Abstract

Objective: Report the case of induction of spermatogenesis with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole.

Design: Case report.

Setting: University Infertility center.

Patient(s): A 31-year-old man with primary infertility, normal volume azoospermia, normal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and pattern of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) on a testicular biopsy.

Intervention(s): The patient was given the aromatase inhibitor letrozole for 4 months and had repeated FSH, testosterone, LH levels, semen analyses, and finally a testicular biopsy.

Main outcome measure(s): Results of a testis biopsy.

Result(s): Testis biopsy showed normal spermatogenesis following 4 months of letrozole therapy.

Conclusion(s): This is the first case report on the use of letrozole to treat male infertility and the first case report on the induction of spermatogenesis in a man with NOA using any aromatase inhibitor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Azoospermia / diagnosis*
  • Azoospermia / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Letrozole
  • Male
  • Nitriles / administration & dosage*
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triazoles / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Nitriles
  • Triazoles
  • Letrozole