Timetable of effects of testosterone administration to hypogonadal men on variables of sex and mood.
BACKGROUND
The effects of testosterone have been extensively characterized, but little attention has been given to the timetable of occurrence of the various effects of testosterone.


METHODS
The timetables of effects on sexual and psychological variables in 40 hypogonadal men receiving treatment with either parenteral testosterone enanthate (TE) or undecanoate (TU).


RESULTS
Sexual thoughts/fantasies and sexual interest/desire/spontaneous morning erections emerged quickly and plateaued after 3 weeks. Total erections rose to a maximum over 9 weeks and then plateaued. Ejaculations per week/satisfaction with sex life rose over the first 3 weeks, increasing steadily to a plateau at 12 weeks. Depression scores decreased to reach a plateau after 6 weeks. Aggressiveness did not change. Scores of concentration improved and reached a plateau after 3 weeks in the group treated with TE and after 9 weeks in the group treated with TU. Good mood improved after 6-9 weeks. Positive effects on self-confidence appeared between 3-6 weeks and on fatigue after 9-12 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Insight into the emergence of effects may be useful information for the patient and for the attending physician in monitoring clinical effects of testosterone treatment of hypogonadal men.
Jockenhövel
Friedrich
F
Evangelisches Krankenhaus Herne, Herne, Germany. f.jockenhoevel@evk-herne.de
Minnemann
Timo
T
Schubert
Markus
M
Freude
Susanne
S
Hübler
Doris
D
Schumann
Christina
C
Christoph
Arnd
A
Gooren
Louis
L
Ernst
Michael
M
D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019529:Sexuality / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone