Testosterone supplementation for partial androgen deficiency in middle-aged men

To evaluate the efficacy of testosterone supplementation for partial androgen deficiency in middle-aged men.Methods This prospective,double-blind,placebo-controlled,randomized clinical trial was conducted in our hospital.A total of 179 patients (mean age,41.8 years) were randomly divided into study group (n=136) and control group (mean age,n=43 years).The 136 patients in study group received andriol (80 mg,twice a day) for 3 months;while the 43 patients in control group received no special treatment.The changes of partial androgen deficiency in aging male (PADAM) scores,serum total testosterone (TT),free-T (fT) and relevant sexual hormone levels were assessed before and after treatment.Results In study group the PADAM scores at 1 and 3 months after treatment were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.01).Before treatment and 3 months after treatment,the changes of relevant hormones [TT from (11.9±0.9)nmol/L to (19.1±1.2)nmol/L,fT from (40.6±11.8) pmol/L to (75.2±17.0)pmol/L,E2 from (128.1±40.1) pmol/L to (100.6±27.5)pmol/L] also revealed that patients in study group were significantly improved after treatment (P<0.01).There were no significant changes of PADAM scores and relevant hormone levels in control group (P>0.05).Conclusion Partial androgen deficiency in middle-aged men clinically exists and testosterone supplementation for this condition is safe and effective.6 refs,4 tabs.