Clinical use of androgens

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Androgens, primarily testosterone, are crucial for male development and health.
• Hypogonadism, characterized by testosterone deficiency, requires clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the principal clinical applications of androgens.
• To recommend appropriate testosterone formulations and dosages for treating male hypogonadism.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical guidelines and pharmacological data on androgen use.
• Comparison of injectable testosterone esters (enanthate, cypionate) with oral alkylated derivatives.

Main Results:

• Injectable testosterone esters (200 mg every two weeks or 300 mg every three weeks) are recommended for testosterone deficiency in adult males.
• Oral alkylated testosterone derivatives are generally considered less potent for treating male hypogonadism.

Conclusions:

• Long-acting injectable testosterone esters are the preferred treatment for male hypogonadism when fertility is not an immediate concern.
• Oral androgens may have niche applications, such as in adjuvant therapy for breast carcinoma.