Transdermal testosterone
April 30, 2008
Testosterone is a hormone produced predominantly in the testes of males. It is the hormone responsible in giving males their specific sexual traits. Transdermal testosterone mimics the body’s natural rhythmic release of testosterone through a time-release patch. Medically, this form of testosterone is used to improve testosterone deficiencies such as hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction with limited side effects.
Transdermal testosterone background
Transdermal Testosterone is a fairly newer version of the hormone, sold in patch form. Two forms of transdermal testosterone are available; one has to be applied to the scrotum while the other is applied to other areas such as the thigh or back. Brand names: Androderm, AndroGel, Testim, Testoderm, Testoderm TTS. Transdermal testosterone is not currently available in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France and The Netherlands.
Testosterone Steroid Action
Testosterone is responsible for promoting health and well-being through enhanced libido, energy, immunity, increased fat loss, gaining and maintaining lean muscle mass, preventing Osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and possible protection against heart disease. Testosterone is also responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. Secondary sex characteristics are specific traits that separate the two sexes, but are not directly part of the reproductive system, for example: chest and facial hair, a distinguished jaw line, broad shoulders and increased muscle mass. Testosterone binds to the Androgen Receptors (AR), which thus causes accelerated muscle gain, fat loss, and muscle repair and growth. These mechanisms are stimulated by activation of the Androgen Receptors (either directly or as DHT).
Testosterone Technical Data
Skin reactions are the most frequently reported adverse effects associated with transdermal testosterone. Skin reactions were the most commonly reported side effect and seen in almost half of the subjects using the permeation-enhanced variety. 10% of patients found it intolerable and withdrew from the study. It was eventually discovered that treating the skin with 0.1% triamcinolone cream eliminated skin discomfort with out hindering the effects of the testosterone. Other side effects of permeation-enhanced transdermal testosterone reported were an increase in prostate weight (although they all still were in normal weight range). There were no prostate problems in men treated over the course of a year. In a 4 year study of 122 men, 5% reported abnormalities.
Testosterone’s effect on fat loss was far greater in those injecting the hormone. The same effects on cholesterol (HDL decrease) were similar in those using both types. There have only been very few studies on the use of the newer version, permeation-enhanced transdermal testosterone, patches that are placed on non-scrotal skin. There were great results in a study done on 34 males suffering from hypogonadism who applied 5mg each night for 12 months. Morning and evening peaks of the hormone were found to be correlated to healthy young men (peak testosterone concentrations were 25.7 and 7.4 nmol/L). Subjects using transdermal testosterone showed serum testosterone concentration profiles that were the same as normal circadian release by the endocrine system.
Testosterone is the chemical name of active ingredient in AndroGel and Androderm. AndroGel is a registered trademark of Unimed Pharmaceuticals. Androderm is a registered trademark of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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