Effects of testosterone replacement therapy in old hypogonadal males: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of testosterone administration to older hypogonadal males (bioavailable testosterone less than 70 ng/dL).


METHODS
Alternate-case controlled trial.


METHODS
St. Louis University.


METHODS
Eight males (mean age 77.6 +/- 2.3 years) who received testosterone and six males (mean age 76 +/- 2.3 years) who served as controls. Selected from alumni of the SHEP trial and attendees at the St. Louis University Impotence Clinic.


METHODS
Testosterone enanthate (200 mg/mL) was administered intramuscularly to the treatment group every 2 weeks for 3 months.


METHODS
Serum testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and estradiol, weight, % body fat, right hand muscle strength, balance, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, hematocrit, BUN, creatinine, albumin, calcium, PTH, 25(OH) vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, osteocalcin, prostate-specific antigen, and fructosamine.


RESULTS
Males who received testosterone had a significant increase in testosterone and bioavailable testosterone concentration, hematocrit, right hand muscle strength and osteocalcin concentration. They had a decrease in cholesterol (without a change in HDL-cholesterol) levels and decreased BUN/Creatinine ratios.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings support the need for long term studies of testosterone therapy in older hypogonadal males.
Morley
J E
JE
Division of Geriatric Medicine, St. Louis University Medical School, MO 63104.
Perry
H M
HM
Kaiser
F E
FE
Kraenzle
D
D
Jensen
J
J
Houston
K
K
Mattammal
M
M
Perry
H M
HM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001682:Biological Availability; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013739:Testosterone; D002784:Cholesterol