Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Obesity is associated with reduced testosterone, and low testosterone induces weight gain. This study analysed the effects of normalization of serum testosterone in mainly elderly, hypogonadal men.

Methods: Prospective registry study of 252 men (mean age 60.6±8.0 years), with testosterone levels between ≤ 3.5 ng/ml. They received parenteral testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg at day 1, week 6 and every 12 weeks thereafter for up to 66 months.

Results: After 60 months the following changes were observed: weight declined from 106.28±16.98 to 90.07±9.51 kg, waist circumference from 107.23±9.15 to 98.46±7.39 cm and body mass index from 33.95±5.56 to 29.17±3.09 kg/m². All changes were progressive over 60 months and statistically significant vs baseline and vs previous year (P<0.0001). In addition, total cholesterol declined from 281.97±39.86 to 188.12±11.31, LDL from 163.75±41.62 to 109.84±35.41 and triglycerides from 276.38±51.57 to 189.78±11.33 mg/dl. The decline was progressive over 24 months and statistically significant vs baseline and vs previous year (P<0.0001) until a plateau was reached after 2 years. HDL declined from 62.06±27 to 52.45±16.82 mg/dl after 60 months, however, with fluctuations. There was a statistically significant increase vs baseline at 24 months (P=0.0254) and a decrease vs baseline at 36 months (P<0.0001) with a plateau after 36 months.

Conclusions: Raising serum testosterone to normal resulted in continuous loss of body weight, waist circumference and BMI. These improvements were progressive over the full 5 years of the study. Levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides decreased over the first 2 years. HDL showed some fluctuations but means remained above 47 mg/dl. Long-term administration of testosterone to middle-aged, hypogonadal men improves body composition and lipid profile.

Declaration of interest: I fully declare a conflict of interest. Details below:

Funding: This work was supported, however funding details unavailable.