Men's Osteoporosis Support GroupEffects of testosterone treatment Eur J Endocrinol. 2011 Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print]. ONSET OF EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT AND TIME SPAN UNTIL MAXIMUM EFFECTS ARE ACHIEVED. Saad F and others. PMID: 21753068. This abstract summarizes the time of onset of treatment effects of testosterone and gives data for the time span in which maximum effects are reached when hypogonadal men receive testosterone therapy. Here is a table reflecting this information.
Editor's comments. This information is important on multiple fronts: 1) To know how quickly changes can be expected to start and how long before maximum benefit is realized. 2) To see how many body systems are affected/improved by testosterone therapy when hypogonadism is involved. So men with osteoporosis who are found to be hypogonadal and start on testosterone therapy may be primarily interested in improving bone mineral density (BMD). But, as can be seen, they may not have realized they were also becoming depressed, had changes in muscle mass, serum lipids, etc. With this chart they will know when to start expecting results and when they should have achieved maximal benefit. Regarding osteoporosis, in conjunction with the care provider's input, a hypogonadal male might wish to start therapy with only testosterone replacement. Knowing that it takes about three years for maximum results, at that time a decision could be made to add one of the FDA-approved medications if results are inadequate. Or, if there has been an adequate improvement in BMD, there would be no need for further medication, just continue with testosterone replacement.
|