Effects of androgen substitution on lipid profile in the adult and aging hypogonadal male.

The decrease in serum bioavailable testosterone may be responsible for the catabolic sequelae noticed in the aging man (decrease in libido, decrease in muscle mass, osteoporosis and increase in adiposity). After a brief review of androgen and lipid metabolism as well as their modifications with aging, we discuss current knowledge of the effects of androgen substitution on the lipid profile in hypogonadal men. The results of studies concerning the effect of androgen substitution therapy on lipids are conflicting but might be favorable. The small decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol observed when administering standard dosages of testosterone is accompanied by a significant decrease in total cholesterol (CT) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A counterbalancing of these effects plausibly accounts for the absence of increase cardiovascular risk. The currently available preparations are oral, injectable or transdermal formulations of natural testosterone. The development of new androgen preparations that are more potent, metabolically stable and tissue-specific will improve therapeutic benefits and reduce side effects.