Androgen replacement therapy in Turner syndrome: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• Women with Turner syndrome (TS) experience reduced androgen levels due to ovarian failure.
• This androgen insufficiency may contribute to various health issues, including bone fragility, metabolic dysfunction, obesity, neurocognitive deficits, and sexual problems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of androgen replacement therapy (ART) on the morbidity associated with Turner syndrome.
• To determine if androgen therapy can alleviate symptoms related to androgen insufficiency in TS patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study involving 14 women with TS (aged 17-27).
• Participants received oral methyl testosterone (ART) or placebo for one year, followed by the alternative treatment for another year.
• Outcomes assessed included body composition, physiology, biochemistry, visceral fat, cognition, and quality of life (QOL).

Main Results:

• ART led to reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
• Bone mineral density increased, lean body mass rose, and fat mass decreased with ART.
• Cognitive improvements were noted in attention, reaction time, and verbal memory, while QOL, general health, stress coping, and sexual desire improved.

Conclusions:

• Androgen insufficiency is implicated in the impaired body composition, neurocognition, and QOL observed in Turner syndrome.
• Androgen replacement therapy (ART) demonstrates safety and efficacy in improving these aspects of morbidity in TS patients over a one-year period.