The use of testosterone injection as a replacement therapy in males is advised in cases where there are signs of endogenous testosterone insufficiency or absence.

• Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired)-testicular failure due to cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing testis syndrome; or orchidectomy.
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired)- gonadotropin or LHRH deficiency, or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation.

Hypogonadism

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Transexual Therapy

• Prior to initiating Testosterone Undecanoate, confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism by ensuring that serum testosterone concentrations have been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that these concentrations are below the normal range.
• Adults: The usual dose is one injection of 1ml per 3 weeks.

• Female-to-male transsexuals: Different specialist centres have used doses varying from one injection of 1ml every two weeks to one injection of 1ml every four weeks.

   

Most common adverse reactions associated with testosterone therapy include-

• polycythemia
• diarrhea
• dyspepsia
• eructation
• peripheral edema
• nausea
• increased hematocrit
• headache
• prostatomegaly
• hypertension

Polycythemia

Diarrhea

Dyspepsia

Enlarged Prostate

• To identify polycythemia and increasing red blood cell mass, check the hematocrit every three months.
• Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should be monitored for worsening BPH symptoms and signs.
• Patients using testosterone therapy have been known to experience venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Patients who exhibit symptoms or signs of PE or DVT should be evaluated.
• The most common ways that testosterone has been abused are in combination with other anabolic androgenic drugs and at levels that are greater than those permitted for usage.
• Aazoospermia may result after the administration of androgens exogenously.
• Patients with underlying cardiac, renal, or hepatic illness may experience edema, either with or without congestive heart failure.
• Sleep apnea may occur in those with risk factors.
• Monitor prostate specific antigen (PSA) and lipid concentrations periodically.
• Depression and suicidal ideation have occurred during clinical trials in patients treated with Testosterone therapy.