Normal androgen (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) levels are important for bone and muscle mass, strength, cognition, sexual function and general sense of well being in men.  It is well known that androgen levels decrease with age so, with an ageing population, androgen replacement therapy is becoming increasingly important.  When taken by mouth, androgens are very quickly destroyed by the liver.  This issue has been overcome by the introduction of more acceptable dermally applied gels.

Androgen replacement also has potential uses in male contraception, various muscle wasting diseases and certain aspects of female sexual dysfunction.

1. Gambineri A. et al. Testosterone therapy in men: clinical and pharmacological perspectives. Journal of Endocrinology Investigation. 2000.23.(3):p196-p214.

2. Androgens in Health and Disease. 2003. Edited by Bagatell C. J. and Bremmer W. J. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey.