From the Guidelines
Timeframe for the Effect of Orchiectomy on Serum Testosterone Levels
The effect of orchiectomy (surgical castration) on serum testosterone levels occurs rapidly, with a significant decrease in testosterone levels typically seen within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure [ 1 ]. Testosterone levels usually drop to castrate levels, which are less than 50 ng/dL, within 1-2 weeks [ 1 ]. However, the exact timing may vary depending on individual factors, such as the method of castration and the patient's overall health [ 1 ].
- Key factors influencing the timeframe include:
- Method of castration
- Patient's overall health
- It is essential to monitor testosterone levels regularly after castration to ensure that they have reached the desired range [ 1 ].
- The optimal level of serum testosterone decline has yet to be defined, but a level of less than 50 ng/dL is generally considered adequate [ 1 ].
From the Research
Timeframe for the Effect of Orchiectomy on Serum Testosterone Levels
The timeframe for the effect of orchiectomy (surgical castration) on serum testosterone levels can be understood through various studies:
- A study published in 2005 2 found that in rat models, serum testosterone levels decreased significantly after castration, with levels dropping below the quantification limit 6 hours after the procedure.
- Another study from 1978 3 observed a marked decrease in serum testosterone levels in boars as early as 3 hours after bilateral orchidectomy, with an average decrease of 84.4% in the period from 3 to 207 days after castration.
- A review published in 2014 4 noted that serum testosterone levels in most patients after surgical castration drop to less than 20 ng/dl, which is considered a castration level.
- A study from 2019 5 used a castrate testosterone level of < 50 ng/dL and < 20 ng/dL to define the effect of castration on biochemical relapse-free survival in patients with prostate cancer, but did not specifically examine the timeframe for the effect of orchiectomy on serum testosterone levels.
Key Findings
- The decrease in serum testosterone levels after orchiectomy can occur rapidly, with significant decreases observed within hours of the procedure 2, 3.
- The timeframe for the effect of orchiectomy on serum testosterone levels can vary depending on the species and individual being studied, but overall, a significant decrease in testosterone levels is expected after castration 2, 4, 3.