Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Approximately one third of men with osteoporosis have a low testosterone level. Testosterone has been shown to improve BMD (but not effect fracture risk) in hypogonadal men taking glucocorticoids. There are no studies demonstrating efficacy of testosterone replacement for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in other groups. When a patient is experiencing symptoms of hypogonadism, treatment with testosterone may benefit with respect to symptoms and through slowing of bone loss.
Testosterone gel (AndroGel): 50 - 100mg, topically, daily
Testosterone suspension or testosterone propionate: 10 - 25mg, IM 2 - 3 times, weekly
Testosterone (Testoderm TTS, Androderm): 1 - 3 patches, transdermally, daily