How it works
Endogenous androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. These effects include the growth and maturation of prostate, seminal vesicles, penis and scrotum; the development of male hair distribution, such as facial, pubic, chest and axillary hair; laryngeal enlargement, vocal chord thickening, alterations in body musculature and fat distribution. Testosterone and DHT are necessary for the normal development of secondary sex characteristics. Male hypogonadism results from insufficient secretion of testosterone and is characterized by low serum testosterone concentrations. Signs/symptoms associated with male hypogonadism include erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire, fatigue and loss of energy, mood depression, Blood and lymphatic system disorders Elevated Hgb, Hct (polycythemia) Endocrine disorders , Hirsutism . Gastrointestinal disorders : Nausea . General disorders and administration site reactions : Asthenia, edema, malaise . Genitourinary disorders : Impaired urination , Hepatobiliary disorders : Abnormal liver function tests (e.g. transaminases, elevated GGTP, bilirubin) Investigations Elevated PSA, electrolyte changes (nitrogen, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium), changes in serum lipids (hyperlipidemia, elevated triglycerides, decreased HDL), impaired glucose tolerance, fluctuating testosterone concentrations, weight increase Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (cysts and polyps) Prostate cancer Nervous system Headache, dizziness, sleep apnea, insomnia Psychiatric disorders Depression, emotional lability, decreased libido, nervousness, hostility, amnesia, anxiety . Reproductive system and breast disorders Gynecomastia, mastodynia , prostatic enlargement, testicular atrophy, oligospermia, priapism (frequent or prolonged erections) Respiratory disorders Dyspnea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Acne, alopecia, application site reaction (pruritus, dry skin, erythema, rash, discolored hair, paresthesia), sweating Vascular disorders Hypertension, vasodilation (hot flushes) regression of secondary sexual characteristics and osteoporosis. Male hypogonadism can present as primary hypogonadism caused by defects of the gonads, such as Klinefelter’s Syndrome or Leydig cell aplasia while secondary hypogonadism is the failure of the hypothalamus or pituitary to produce sufficient gonadotropins .