Testosterone Therapy in Men: Clinical and Pharmacological Perspectives

The document from March 1, 2000, reviews the use of testosterone therapy in men, addressing its traditional and newer applications, such as treatment for hypogonadism, delayed puberty, anemias, protein-wasting diseases, aging, visceral obesity, and male contraception. It discusses the physiological roles of testosterone, its conversion to other hormones, and its effects on various tissues. The review also examines the challenges of testosterone delivery due to its rapid degradation in the body and the development of new systems to maintain physiological hormone levels. It notes that while current testosterone preparations are not ideal, they aim to correct symptoms and biochemical abnormalities associated with androgen deficiency, be safe, convenient, and cost-effective, and provide serum levels that mimic the normal diurnal pattern of testosterone. The document also covers the potential side effects of testosterone therapy, including sleep apnea, changes in plasma lipids, erythrocytosis, and effects on prostate health, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of patients undergoing treatment.