Testosterone gel for the treatment of male hypogonadism.
BACKGROUND
Testosterone supplementation is a standard treatment for young men with hypogonadism and has also been advocated as a treatment for symptomatic older men with low testosterone levels. Several modes of testosterone replacement are available including capsules, patches, injections, buccal tablets and gels.


OBJECTIVE
To review the literature concerning therapeutic efficacy and potential limitations of testosterone gels.


METHODS
The FDA medical reviews and the computerised database PubMed were searched for clinical trials studying currently approved testosterone gels.


CONCLUSIONS
Testosterone gel has proved to be a valuable contribution to the existing modes of testosterone treatment, combining therapeutic efficacy, convenience and safety.
de Ronde
Willem
W
VU University Medical Center, Department of Endocrinology, De Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.deronde@vumc.nl
D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005782:Gels; D013739:Testosterone