Hormonal
Long-term transdermal testosterone gel (AndroGel) treatment in hypogonadal men maintains beneficial effects on sexual function, mood, lean body mass, fat mass, and bone mineral density without significant increases in muscle strength.
If you are a hypogonadal man, long-term use of testosterone gel (5-10g daily) effectively restores sexual function, improves mood, increases lean mass, and reduces fat mass. These benefits are maintained over several years. However, do not expect significant gains in muscle strength despite the increase in lean mass. Regular monitoring of prostate health and blood counts is essential to manage safety risks.
Continuous AndroGel treatment normalized mean serum T and free T levels... Sexual function and mood parameters improved rapidly and were maintained throughout T treatment. Lean body mass increased (P < 0.0001) and fat mass decreased (P < 0.0001), and these changes were maintained with treatment but were not accompanied by significant increases in muscle strength. Increases in serum bone markers suggestive of increased bone formation were followed by gradual and progressive increases in bone mineral density more in the spine (P < 0.0001) than the hip (P < 0.0004).
Why this rating
Large sample size (n=163), long duration (up to 42 months), and multiple centers, but lacks a placebo control group.
Source
Long-Term Testosterone Gel (AndroGel) Treatment Maintains Beneficial Effects on Sexual Function and Mood, Lean and Fat Mass, and Bone Mineral Density in Hypogonadal Men
Christina Wang et al. · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2004
DOI 10.1210/jc.2003-032006
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