Evaluation of late-onset hypogonadism (andropause) treatment using three different formulations of injectable testosterone.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the modalities of treatment for male hypogonadism available in Brazil.


METHODS
Thirty-two men with late-onset hypogonadism ('andropause') were followed-up in the Hospital de Guarnição de Florianópolis, in Florianópolis, south Brazil. Clinical diagnosis was established according to AMS questionnaire (positive if equal to or higher than 27 points), and laboratory diagnosis was made through low values of total testosterone (under 300 ng/dL) and/or free calculated testosterone (under 6.5 ng/dL). Patients were randomized to three non-enteral treatment groups (Deposteron--11 patients; Durateston--11 patients; and Nebido--10 patients).


RESULTS
Clinically, Nebido seemed to be superior when compared to Deposteron (mean value of improvement percentage; p = 0.03) and when compared to Durateston (post-treatment average AMS score; p = 0.03). According to laboratory analysis, Nebido showed higher testosterone levels than Deposteron and Durateston (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
All non-enteral testosterone formulas available in the Brazilian market are efficient in raising testosterone levels and in clinical improvement of hypogonadal patients. Nebido showed both a better clinical and laboratory effectiveness.
Hohl
Alexandre
A
Hospital de Guarnição de Florianópolis, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. alexandrehohl@endocrino.org.br
Marques
Mario Octávio Thá
MO
Coral
Marisa Helena César
MH
Walz
Roger
R
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000728:Androgens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047649:Andropause / Q000187:drug effects*; D001938:Brazil; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone; C010792:testosterone undecanoate; C016131:testosterone 17 beta-cypionate