Evaluation of late-onset hypogonadism (andropause) treatment using three different formulations of injectable testosterone

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the modalities of treatment for male hypogonadism available in Brazil. METHODS: Thirty-two men with late-onset hypogonadism ("andropause") were followed-up in the Hospital de Guarnição de Florianópolis, in Florianópolis, south Brazil. Clinical diagnosis was established according to AMS questionnaire (positive if equal to or higher than 27 points), and laboratorial diagnosis was made through low values of total testosterone (under 300 ng/dL) and/or free calculated testosterone (under 6.5 ng/dL). Patients were randomized to three non-enteral treatment groups (Deposteron® - 11 patients; Durateston® - 11 patients; and Nebido® - 10 patients). RESULTS: Clinically, Nebido® seemed to be superior when compared to Deposteron® (mean value of improvement percentage; p = 0.03) and when compared to Durateston® (post-treatment average AMS score; p = 0.03). According to laboratorial analysis, Nebido® showed higher testosterone levels than Deposteron® and Durateston® (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: All non-enteral testosterone formulas available in the Brazilian market are efficient in raising testosterone levels and in clinical improvement of hypogonadal patients. Nebido® showed both a better clinical and laboratorial effectiveness.