Addison's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Addison's Disease, including details on chronic adrenal insufficiency, treatment, causes, medication. | ||||||||
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Effects of testosterone replacement in androgen-deficient women with hypopituitarism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Miller KK, Biller BM, Beauregard C, Lipman JG, Jones J, Schoenfeld D, Sherman JC, Swearingen B, Loeffler J, Klibanski A Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. kkmiller@partners.org CONTEXT: Hypopituitarism in women is characterized by profound androgen deficiency due to a loss of adrenal and/or ovarian function. The effects of testosterone replacement in this population have not been reported. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether physiologic testosterone replacement improves bone density, body composition, and/or neurobehavioral function in women with severe androgen deficiency secondary to hypopituitarism. DESIGN: This was a 12-month randomized, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a general clinical research center. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one women of reproductive age with androgen deficiency due to hypopituitarism participated. INTERVENTION: Physiologic testosterone administration using a patch that delivers 300 microg daily or placebo was administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bone density, fat-free mass, and fat mass were measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Thigh muscle and abdominal cross-sectional area were measured by computed tomography scan. Mood, sexual function, quality of life, and cognitive function were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: Mean free testosterone increased into the normal range during testosterone administration. Mean hip (P = 0.023) and radius (P = 0.007), but not posteroanterior spine, bone mineral density increased in the group receiving testosterone, compared with placebo, as did mean fat-free mass (P = 0.040) and thigh muscle area (P = 0.038), but there was no change in fat mass. Mood (P = 0.029) and sexual function (P = 0.044) improved, as did some aspects of quality of life, but not cognitive function. Testosterone at physiologic replacement levels was well tolerated, with few side effects. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to show a positive effect of testosterone on bone density, body composition, and neurobehavioral function in women with severe androgen deficiency due to hypopituitarism. Published 8 May 2006 in J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 91(5): 1683-90.
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