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Nancy Solomon
Phone: 314.977.8017
solomonn@slu.edu
December 10, 2004
Saint Louis University Researches Medication to Treat ‘Male Menopause’ in the Elderly
ST. LOUIS -- Saint Louis University is studying whether a medicated skin gel is a safe and effective treatment for elderly men who have low testosterone, a condition that robs them of their libido and physical strength.
Researchers are examining the safety and effectiveness of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) gel in treating elderly men who have hypogonadism, or low testosterone.
The condition, which also is known as male menopause, affects as many as five million men and causes changes in libido, strength and memory, says John Morley, M.D., director of the division of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University and principal investigator for the study.
“Low testosterone is a real condition that can cause men problems with their sex drive, strength and memory, and make them susceptible to weakened bones,” he says.
Men with hypogonadism also may have fatigue, irritability, loss of height and muscle mass, depression and cognitive problems.
“Androgen supplementation is clearly a beneficial treatment for hypogonadism, particularly in younger males,” Morley says. “The benefits of therapy in elderly males with testosterone deficiency are less clear cut.”
Saint Louis University, one of a dozen centers across the nation involved in the study, is recruiting 11 study participants between the ages of 60 and 80. Men who have abnormal prostate examinations, elevated PSA levels, major psychiatric diseases, a body mass index of more than 35, skin problems that may affect the absorption of DHT-gel, or certain other conditions are excluded from the study.
Participants will receive the study medication or a placebo, medical examinations, and bone density scans. They will be involved in the study for eight to nine months.
To learn more about the research, call 314.977.4440 or 866.977.4440.
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