Testosterone treatment to mimic hormone physiology in androgen replacement therapy.

Author(s): Fabbri A, Giannetta E, Lenzi A, Isidori AM

Affiliation(s): 1Universita Tor Vergata, Cattedra di Endocrinologia, UOC Endocrinologia, Ospedale S. Eugenio, Rome, Italy andrea.fabbri@uniroma2.it , 2Universita La Sapienza, Cattedra di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento Fisiopatologia Medica, Rome, Italy.

Publication date & source: 2007-07, Expert Opin Biol Ther., 7(7):1093-106.

Publication type:

There is still considerable controversy concerning the issue of testosterone replacement therapy. This is because testosterone replacement therapy is not a 'risk-free' treatment and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate safety of prolonged testosterone replacement therapy is not available, nor is it likely to be in the near future. However, recent testosterone delivery systems, such as the 1% gel (Testogel((R)), Androgel((R)) and Testim((R))), have proven to have a good physiologic profile, allowing constant monitoring of the possible complications and prompt discontinuation in the event of adverse effects. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the available testosterone preparations to treat male hypogonadism, with special interest in the treatment of ageing men and late-onset hypogonadism. In addition, the experimental and clinical data on the effect of testosterone on sexual function domains is reviewed along with the indication for the combination therapy of androgens with pro-erectile drugs, for example, type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors.