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Hormone Replacement Therapy > Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone is the main male hormone that maintains muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, sex drive, and potency. Testosterone is considered to be the "Male Hormone".

Testosterone: A "male hormone" -- a sex hormone produced by the testes that encourages the development of male sexual characteristics, stimulates the activity of the male secondary sex characteristics, penis growth, muscle development and Masculine features. Chemically, testosterone is 17-beta-hydroxy-4-androstene-3-one. Testosterone is the most potent of the naturally occurring androgens. The androgens in general also cause the development of male sex characteristics, such as a deep voice and a beard; they also strengthen muscle tone and bone mass.

High levels of testosterone appear to promote good health in men, for example, lowering the risks of high blood pressure and heart attack. High testosterone levels also correlate with risky behavior, however, including increased aggressiveness and smoking , which may cancel out these health benefits.

Testosterone therapy may be given to treat medical conditions, including female (but not male) breast cancer hypogonadism (low gonadal function) in the male, cryptorchism (nondescent of the testis into the scrotum), and menorrhagia (irregular periods).

Testosterone is the primary androgenic hormone and is responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. Pre-pubertal hypogonadism is generally characterized by infantile genitalia and lack of virilization, while the development of hypogonadism after puberty frequently results in complaints such as diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, gynecomastia, impaired masculinization, changes in body composition, reductions in body and facial hair, and osteoporosis. Hypogonadal men also report levels of anger, confusion, depression, and fatigue that are significantly higher than those reported in eugonadal men (high testosterone men).

Evaluation of potential candidates for testosterone replacement therapy should include a complete medical history and hormonal screening. Total serum testosterone should be measured in the morning. When the serum testosterone level is low and LH is elevated, testosterone replacement therapy is warranted. Patients with low serum LH and testosterone levels need an imaging study of their pituitary and may need endocrinologic consultation.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is a male hormone produced by the testes and responsible for producing and maintaining male sex characteristics. The testes is the male reproductive gland. Testosterone is the major androgenic hormone made by the testes in response to luteinizing hormones from the pituitary gland. Testosterone hormones promote the development of adult male characteristics including deep voice, strong muscle and bone mass, and sperm. High levels of testosterone promote good health in men and lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack. Testosterone also stimulates metabolism and the burning of body fat. During puberty, testosterone levels are at a lifetime peak. These levels begin to decline about the age of 23.

Testosterone Therapy Benefits:

• Increased muscle strength and mass.
• Increased sexual potency and frequency.
• Lowers cholesterol levels.
• Increased energy, stamina and endurance.
• Improved mental function
• Improves mood and feeling of well-being.
• Protects against heart disease
• Improved concentration and focus

Testosterone Deficiency Symptoms:

• Reduced libido
• Fatigue or a decrease in physical stamina
• Difficulty in maintaining erections
• Memory impairment,
• Depression and anxiety
• Increased risk of heart disease,
• Decreased muscle mass
• Weight Gain

PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATIONS

Category A 21.7 (Male sex hormones)

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION

In the eunuch and eunuchoid male, androgens act to stimulate and maintain the secondary sexual characteristics associated with the adult male. Androgens influence closure of the epiphyseal lines in males and some females, administration of androgens reduces urinary excretion of nitrogen, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus and water.

INDICATIONS

Based on a review by the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council and/or other information, FDA has classified the indications for certain androgens as follows:
Effective - In the male:

* Eunuchism, eunuchoidism, deficiency after castration.
* Male climacteric symptoms when these are secondary to androgen deficiency.
* Oligospermia.

Probably Effective - In the female or male:

* Postmenopausal or senile osteoporosis. Androgens are without value as a primary therapy, but may be of value as adjunctive therapy. Equal or greater consideration should be given to diet, calcium balance, physiotherapy, and good general health-promoting measures. Final classification of the less-than-effective indications requires further investigation.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

* Carcinoma of the male breast.
* Carcinoma known or suspected of the prostate.
* Cardiac, hepatic or renal decompensation.
* Hypercalcaemia.
* Liver function impairment.
* Prepubertal males.
* Pregnancy.

DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE

TESTOSTERONE is for intramuscular use only. Dosage will vary depending upon the individual, the condition being treated, its severity, and prior androgen therapy. Because of the protracted action of TESTOSTERONE injections more frequently than every two weeks are seldom required.

Eunuchism; Eunuchoidism - For complete replacement in eunuchs and eunuchoid patients, the usual dose of DEPO-TESTOSTERONE is 200 to 400 mg injected at intervals of three to four weeks. It is usually preferable to begin treatment with full therapeutic doses, which are later adjusted to individual requirements.

Priapism is a sign of excessive dosage and is an indication for temporary withdrawal of androgen therapy.

Impotence due to Testicular Deficiency; Male Climacteric - DEPO-TESTOSTERONE may be given every three to four weeks in doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg.

Oligospermia - To stimulate spermatogenesis when trial androgen therapy is indicated in subfertile males with oligospermia, recommended dosage of DEPO-TESTOSTERONE is: (1) 100 to 200 mg every three to six weeks for development and maintenance of testicular function; (2) 200 mg each week for six to ten weeks for suppression which may then be followed by rebound spermatogenesis following discontinuance of the injection.

Anabolic Effect; Osteoporosis - The dosage of DEPO-TESTOSTERONE for anabolic effect should be adjusted according to age, sex, and the condition of the individual patient. In the majority of cases, the dose will range from 200 to 400 mg injected every three to four weeks. In addition, an adequate diet should be provided and prolonged immobilization avoided whenever possible.

SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Hypercalcaemia may occur in immobilized patients, and in patients with breast cancer. In patients with cancer this may indicate progression of bony metastasis. If this occurs the drug should be discontinued. Testosterone propionate must not be used interchangeably with testosterone cypionate, enanthate or phenylacetate due to the difference in duration of action.

Do not give intravenously.

Watch female patients closely for signs of virilization. Some effects such as voice changes may not be reversible when the drug is stopped.

Due to the prolonged action of this drug, it should be administered with caution to patients with organic heart disease of debilitation.

Patients with cardiac, renal or hepatic derangement may retain sodium and water thus forming oedema.

Priapism or excessive sexual stimulation may develop. Oligospermia and reduced ejaculatory volume may occur after prolonged administration or excessive dosage. Hypersensitivity and gynecomastia may occur. When any of these effects appear the androgen should be stopped and if restarted, a lower dosage should be utilized.

The PBI may increase during androgen therapy without clinical significance.

* Acne Priapism
* Decreased ejaculatory volume
* Hypercalcaemia (especially in immobile patients Gynecomastia and those with metastatic breast carcinoma)
* Oedema
* Local irritation
* Hypersensitivity, including skin manifestations and anaphylactiod reactions
* Virilization in females

KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSAGE AND PARTICULARS OF ITS TREATMENT

Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.

IDENTIFICATION

A pale yellow oily solution.

PRESENTATION

TESTOSTERONE 100 mg or 200mg is available in 10 mL vials.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Store at room temperature (15?C - 30?C) Keep out of reach of children

 

Low Testosterone Could Kill You
Low Levels of Male Hormone May be More Dangerous Than Previously Thought

By SUPINDA BUNYAVANICH, M.D.
ABC News Medical Unit
June 6, 2007

Low testosterone may lead to a greater risk of death, according to a study presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Toronto.
New research suggests that men with low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of early death.

Men with low testosterone had a 33 percent greater death risk over their next 18 years of life compared with men who had higher testosterone, according to the study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor and colleagues at the University of California at San Diego.

"It's very exciting and potentially a groundbreaking study," said Barrett-Connor. "But it needs to be confirmed."

The study tracked nearly 800 men, 50 to 91 years old, living in California. Their testosterone level was measured at the beginning of the study, and their health was then tracked over the next 20 years.

How Low Is Low?

Testosterone normally declines as men get older. However, a clear definition of "low" testosterone does not yet exist.

"No one knows what low really is," said Dr. Joel Finkelstein, endocrinologist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. "The study authors defined it at 250 [nanograms per deciliter], which is a definition, but no one has figured out what low is."

Barrett-Connor and her colleagues found that nearly 30 percent of the men they studied met their criterion score of 250 or lower for low testosterone.

They noted that many men with this definition of low testosterone were "healthy men in the community who would not know that they had low testosterone."

Men With Hot Flashes

Symptoms of low testosterone depend on how low the level is. At the lowest levels, men will have hot flashes, much like those experienced by women during menopause.

"At levels not quite that low, men have decreases in their libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and physiological changes many will not immediately recognize," Finkelstein said, adding that these could include loss of strength, decrease in bone density and decreased muscle mass.

However, absent symptoms, there is no reason to get testosterone treatment.

Souce: www.abcnews.go.com

 

Testosterone Depo

Tetosterone Depo is the most popular and most used testosterone. Cypionate, like Enanthate (another form of testosterone), is an oil-dissolved injectable form of testosterone with strong androgenic and anabolic effects. It aromatizes quite easily which means that the conversion rate to estrogen, similar to Enanthate's, is relatively high. Several individuals are of the opinion that Cypionate stores more water in the body than enanthate does. The muscle buildup during the application along with the inevitable loss of strength and muscle mass after discontinuing use of one product, are the same with the other. Testosterone Cypionate can be combined with many steroids and thus making it an excellent mass steroid.

This oil based injectable form of testosterone can cause a marked disturbance in the body's endogenous production of testosterone if not carefully monitored and cycled. There are many claims that this drug produces dramatic size and strength increases, yet some studies disprove any strength gain. It can be combined with a number of different steroids to yield greater results. Cypionate is produced domestically under the brand name Depo-Testosterone and other manufacturers produce it under generic names.

Testosterone Enanthate

DELATESTRYL (Testosterone Enanthate Injection) provides testosterone enanthate, a derivative of the primary endogenous androgen testosterone, for intramuscular administration. In their active form, androgens have a 17-beta-hydroxy group. Esterification of the 17-beta-hydroxy group increases the duration of action of testosterone; hydrolysis to free testosterone occurs. Each mL of sterile, colorless to pale yellow solution provides 200 mg testosterone enanthate in sesame oil with 5 mg chlorobutanol (chloral derivative) as a preservative.

Testosterone Propionate

Testosterone Propionate is a common oil-based injectable Testosterone. The added Propionate extends the activity of the Testosterone but it is still comparatively much faster acting than other Testosterone esters such as Cypionate and Enanthate. While Cypionate and Enanthate are injected weekly, Propionate is most commonly injected at least every third day to keep blood levels steady. For strength and muscle mass gains, this drug is quite effective. With Propionate, androgenic side effects seem somewhat less pronounced than with the other Testosterones, probably due to the fact that blood levels do not build up as high. Users often report less gyno trouble, lower water retention and commonly claim to be harder on Propionate than with the others. This however is still a Testosterone and, as with all Testosterone products, androgenic side effects are unavoidable. It should also be noted that Propionate is often a very painful injection. Users very regularly report swelling and noticeable pain for days after a shot.

Nandrolone Decanoate

Known commonly as "Deca", this androgenic/anabolic steroid (AAS) is easy on the liver and promotes good size and strength gains while reducing body fat. This drug is unique in that 5a -reductase, the enzyme which converts testosterone to the more-potent DHT, actually converts Nandrolone to a less-potent compound. Therefore, this is somewhat deactivated in the skin, scalp, and prostate, and these tissues experience an effectively-lower androgen level than the rest of the body.

For those particularly concerned with less activity in the scalp, skin, and prostate Deca is a good alternative in androgen therapy. Its effectiveness at the androgen receptor of muscle tissue is better and binds better than testosterone. Yet, it gives only about half the muscle-building results per milligram. This is a due to it being less effective or entirely ineffective in non-AR-mediated mechanisms for muscle growth. It also appears less effective in activity on nerve cells, specifically on the nerve cells responsible for erectile function. Use of Deca as the sole AAS often results in complete inability to perform sexually. These problems can be solved by combining it with a drug that supplies the missing activity: e.g. testosterone.

Nandrolone is proven to be a progestin. This is important in bodybuilding, because moderate Deca-only use actually lowers estrogen levels as a consequence of reducing natural testosterone levels; thus allowing the aromatase enzyme less substrate to work with, Deca nonetheless can cause gynecomastia in some individuals.

To some extent, Nandrolone aromatizes to estrogen, and it does not appear that this can be entirely blocked by use of aromatase inhibitors - indeed, aromatase may not be involved at all in this process (there is no evidence in humans that such occurs) with the enzyme CYP 2C11 being the more likely candidate for this activity. Cytadren, an aromatase inhibitor, has not been found effective in avoiding aromatization of Nandrolone.

The long half-life of Deca-Durabolin makes it unsuited for short alternating cycles, but suitable for more traditional cycles, with a built-in self-tapering effect in the weeks following the last injection.

Theraputic action: Testosterone analogue; promotes body tissue–building processes and reverses catabolic or tissue-depleting processes; increases Hgb and red cell mass.

How Taken - Administration by deep intermuscular Injection

Possible Side Effects - Water retention (edema), Gynecomastia, Numbness, Inhibited natural testosterone production, Elevated blood pressure , Elevated blood lipid profiles, Accelerated hair loss , Aggression, moodiness , Acne.

Contraindications/cautions
Known sensitivity to nandrolone or anabolic steroids; prostate or breast cancer in males; benign prostatic hypertrophy; breast cancer (females); pituitary insufficiency; MI (contraindicated because of effects on cholesterol); nephrosis; liver disease; hypercalcemia; pregnancy; lactation.

Warnings/Precautions - Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits and should check liver profiles at least twice a year.

Instructions to follow for your safety:

This drug can only be given IM; mark calendar indicating days to return for injection.
• The following side effects may occur: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning of the tongue (small, frequent meals); body hair growth, baldness, deepening of the voice, loss of libido, impotence; (most effects are reversible); excitation, confusion, insomnia (avoid driving, performing tasks that require alertness); swelling of the ankles, fingers (request medication).
• This drug is associated with severe fetal effects; do not use drug during pregnancy; use of barrier contraceptives is advised.
• Report ankle swelling, skin color changes, severe nausea, vomiting, hoarseness, body hair growth, deepening of the voice, acne, menstrual irregularities (women).
• Tell any healthcare provider who is taking care of you that you are on this drug.

For diabetic patients:
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests you should check with your doctor for further analysis.

Missed Dose - Do not double up on medication. Missed doses should be added to the end of cycle.
Pregnancy - Anabolic steroids are not recommended during pregnancy. They may cause the development of male features in the female fetus and premature growth and development of male features in the male fetus. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.

Storage - Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.

Clinically important interactions

Drug-drug:
• Potentiation of oral anticoagulants with anabolic steroids
• Decreased need for insulin, oral hypoglycemia agents with anabolic steroids

Drug-lab test
• Altered glucose tolerance tests
• Decrease in thyroid function tests, which may persist for 2–3 wk after stopping therapy
• Increased creatinine, creatinine clearance, which may last for 2 wk after therapy

Nursing considerations - Assessment

History: Sensitivity to nandrolone or anabolic steroids; prostate or breast cancer in males; benign prostatic hypertrophy; breast cancer in females; pituitary insufficiency; MI; nephrosis; liver disease; hypercalcemia; pregnancy; lactation

Physical: Skin color, texture; hair distribution pattern; affect, orientation; abdominal exam, liver evaluation; serum electrolytes, serum cholesterol levels, glucose tolerance tests, thyroid function tests, long-bone x-ray (in children)

Interventions
• Ensure that patient is not pregnant before administering; advise the use of barrier contraceptives during therapy.
• Inject nandrolone deeply into gluteal muscle.
• Intermittent administration decreases adverse effects.
• Monitor effect on children with long-bone x-rays every 3–6 mo; discontinue drug well before the bone age reaches the norm for the patient's chronologic age.
• Monitor patient for edema; arrange for diuretic therapy.
• Monitor liver function, serum electrolytes, and consult with physician for appropriate corrective measures.
• Measure cholesterol levels periodically in patients with high risk for CAD.
• Monitor diabetic patients closely because glucose tolerance may change; adjustments may be needed in insulin, oral hypoglycemic dosage, and diet.

Drug-specific teaching points
• This drug can only be given IM; mark calendar indicating days to return for injection.

The following side effects may occur:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning of the tongue (small, frequent meals); body hair growth, baldness, deepening of the voice, loss of libido, impotence; (most effects are reversible); excitation, confusion, insomnia (avoid driving, performing tasks that require alertness); swelling of the ankles, fingers (request medication).

• This drug is associated with severe fetal effects; do not use drug during pregnancy; use of barrier contraceptives is advised.

• Diabetic patients—monitor urine sugar closely because glucose tolerance may change. Report any abnormalities to physician, so corrective action can be taken.

• Report ankle swelling, skin color changes, severe nausea, vomiting, hoarseness, body hair growth, deepening of the voice, acne, menstrual irregularities (women).