Testosterone therapy increases sexual desire in ageing men with low–normal testosterone levels and symptoms of androgen deficiency

Abstract

Although decline in sexual function is a common reason for ageing men to seek advice regarding testosterone therapy, placebo-controlled trial data have been unable to show a consistent, beneficial role for testosterone. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of testosterone therapy on sexual function in non-obese ageing men with symptoms of androgen deficiency and low-normal serum testosterone levels. A total of 60 men aged 55 years or older in good general health with total testosterone (TT) levels o15 nM, and with symptoms suggestive of androgen deficiency, were randomized in a double-blinded protocol to transdermal testosterone patches or placebo for 12 months. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function at weeks 0, 26 and 52. In men receiving testosterone TT levels increased by 30% (P ¼ 0.01) and luteinizing hormone decreased by 50% (Po0.001). Relative to placebo, testosterone therapy improved sexual desire (P ¼ 0.04); however other parameters of sexual function including erectile function were unaffected by the treatment. Ageing men in good general health and with symptoms of androgen deficiency and low-normal serum testosterone levels receiving 12 months of transdermal testosterone therapy experienced, relative to placebo, improved sexual desire but no effect on other parameters of sexual function.

Meta-analysis of Results of Testosterone Therapy on Sexual Function Based on International Index of Erectile Function Scores

“…Out of 284 retrieved articles, 14 were included in the study [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. However, one study [24] not adequately reporting p values or mean differences was used only when standardized effect size calculations (standardized difference in means [SDM]) were performed.…”

Are declining testosterone levels a major risk factor for ill-health in aging men?

“…[86][87][88] Overviews of randomized controlled clinical trials indicate some benefit of testosterone therapy on sexual health-related outcomes, however further investigation in this area is warranted particularly in older men who are not clearly hypogonadal. 65,[88][89][90] In men with erectile dysfunction, low free testosterone levels correlate with impaired relaxation of cavernous endothelial and corporeal smooth muscle cells to a vasoactive challenge.…”

Effects of testosterone on lean mass gain in elderly men: systematic review with meta-analysis of controlled and randomized studies

“…Therapies associated to testosterone and other androgenic hormone treatment favor changes in body composition, especially in lean mass gain and neuromuscular adaptation (Allan et al 2008;Schroeder et al 2004;Page et al 2005;Kenny et al 2001;Schroeder et al 2003a). However, the effects of these types of treatment are not fully understood, since their objectives, dosages and duration as well as the association with physical activity adds complexity to the data provided by the studies on this theme (Kenny et al 2000;Morley et al 2003;Snyder et al 1999;Tenover 1998).…”