Oral testosterone replacement in Korean patients with PADAM

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Andrology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Aging males may experience androgen deficiency symptoms, a condition known as partial androgen deficiency in aging males (PADAM).
• Oral testosterone undecanoate was investigated for its efficacy and safety in managing PADAM symptoms among Korean men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of oral testosterone undecanoate in improving PADAM symptoms.
• To assess the safety profile of oral testosterone undecanoate in Korean male patients.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight male patients diagnosed with PADAM (serum total testosterone < 2.8 ng/ml or free testosterone < 13 pg/ml) were enrolled.
• Participants received oral testosterone undecanoate, initially 160 mg daily for 3 weeks, then reduced to 80 mg daily.
• Symptom changes, sexual function (IIEF), and hormonal levels were assessed over 12 weeks, alongside safety monitoring.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in Korean Andropause Questionnaire scores and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores after 12 weeks of treatment.
• Serum total testosterone levels increased significantly, while free testosterone showed a marginal increase.
• No significant adverse effects on liver function, blood count, or lipid profiles were noted, and no treatment discontinuations due to adverse reactions occurred.

Conclusions:

• Oral testosterone undecanoate is an effective treatment for improving PADAM symptoms in Korean men.
• The oral formulation of testosterone undecanoate presents a safe and viable therapeutic option for managing PADAM.