Timetable of effects of testosterone administration to hypogonadal men on variables of sex and mood.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The effects of testosterone have been extensively characterized, but little attention has been given to the timetable of occurrence of the various effects of testosterone. METHODS: The timetables of effects on sexual and psychological variables in 40 hypogonadal men receiving treatment with either parenteral testosterone enanthate (TE) or undecanoate (TU). RESULTS: Sexual thoughts/fantasies and sexual interest/desire/spontaneous morning erections emerged quickly and plateaued after 3 weeks. Total erections rose to a maximum over 9 weeks and then plateaued. Ejaculations per week/satisfaction with sex life rose over the first 3 weeks, increasing steadily to a plateau at 12 weeks. Depression scores decreased to reach a plateau after 6 weeks. Aggressiveness did not change. Scores of concentration improved and reached a plateau after 3 weeks in the group treated with TE and after 9 weeks in the group treated with TU. Good mood improved after 6-9 weeks. Positive effects on self-confidence appeared between 3-6 weeks and on fatigue after 9-12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Insight into the emergence of effects may be useful information for the patient and for the attending physician in monitoring clinical effects of testosterone treatment of hypogonadal men.