Can Testosterone Cause Retinopathy?

[Tom14]

I have been diagnosed with CSR in my left eye for 6 months and in the right eye for 1 month, I have been on trt test cyp 30mg every two days for 10 years. I have stopped taking testosterone for a month. How long after stopping will CSR go away?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I hope this helps:

Yes, stopping testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can potentially reverse central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in some cases. Several studies and case reports provide evidence supporting this:

Resolution of CSCR After Discontinuing TRT

1. In a case series of nine patients who developed CSCR while on exogenous testosterone therapy, two patients discontinued treatment, which led to resolution of symptoms, subretinal fluid, and improved vision to 20/20[4].

2. A case report described a patient with CSCR who experienced recurring symptoms shortly after receiving intramuscular testosterone injections. When the patient's treatment was changed from injections to a daily topical testosterone gel, the symptoms did not recur in the following months[1].

Mechanism and Timeframe

The resolution of CSCR after stopping TRT is likely due to:

- Decreased choroidal blood flow and permeability
- Reduced interaction with androgen receptors in retinal pigment epithelial cells

The timeframe for improvement can vary, but some cases show:

- Resolution of subretinal fluid within 7-8 weeks after stopping TRT[1]
- Complete resolution of symptoms and OCT findings within a few months[4]

Considerations

It's important to note that:

- Not all cases of CSCR associated with TRT may resolve completely upon discontinuation
- The natural history of CSCR includes periods of waxing and waning, so controlled studies are necessary to definitively attribute improvement to TRT cessation[3]
- The decision to discontinue TRT should be made in consultation with the prescribing physician, weighing the benefits and risks for each individual patient

While stopping TRT can lead to CSCR resolution in some cases, it's crucial to consider each patient's overall health and the reason for TRT when making treatment decisions. Close monitoring by both an ophthalmologist and the prescribing physician is recommended for patients with CSCR who are on testosterone therapy.

Citations:
[1] Central serous chorioretinopathy secondary to intramuscular testosterone therapy - PMC
[2] Advances in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy - PMC
[3] Risk of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Male Androgen Abusers - Ophthalmology and Therapy
[4] https://www.aao.org/education/editors-choice/exogenous-testosterone-therapy-linked-to-central-s
[5] Central serous chorioretinopathy in patients receiving exogenous testosterone therapy.
[6] Testosterone replacement and its association with central serous chorioretinopathy | IOVS | ARVO Journals
[7] The potential role of testosterone in central serous chorioretinopathy - PMC

 

[Tom14]

thanks for your reply, should i also stop working out at the gym until crs goes away from my eyes? can growth hormone also cause csr?