Snyder PJ, Peachey H, Hannoush P, Berlin JA, Loh L, Lenrow DA, Holmes JH, Dlewati A, Santanna J, Rosen CJ, Strom BL
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
June 1999
RCT
108 participants
Abstract
Testosterone therapy for aging men with low testosterone levels has been controversial. This randomized, double-blind trial examined the effects of testosterone replacement on body composition, muscle strength, and bone density in older hypogonadal men.
Methodology
We randomly assigned 108 men aged 65 years or older with serum testosterone levels below 350 ng/dL to receive testosterone patches (6 mg/day) or placebo patches for 36 months. Outcomes included body composition measured by DEXA, muscle strength by dynamometry, and bone mineral density.
Results
Testosterone treatment increased lean body mass by 1.9 kg and decreased fat mass by 1.5 kg compared with placebo. Grip strength and knee extension strength improved significantly. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine increased by 3.7%.
Conclusions
In older men with low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement improves body composition, muscle strength, and bone density.