Testosterone Replacement Therapy Could Reduce Anemia

Testosterone undecanoate effectively reduces the prevalence of anemia in men with hypogonadism, according to the results of a recent study.

The researchers conducted a registry study consisting of 58 participants with subnormal total testosterone levels and symptoms of testosterone deficiency to determine whether treatment with testosterone undecanoate could attenuate anemia and the risk of cardiovascular disease in men with hypogonadism.
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All participants were given injections of 1000 mg testosterone undecanoate at their initial visit, then again at 6, 18, 30, 42, and 54 weeks. The researchers measured serum hormones, hemoglobin, hematocrit, anemia risk factors, lipid profiles, whole blood viscosity, and anthropometry at baseline.

Overall, therapy with testosterone undecanoate was associated with restoration of total testosterone and free testosterone. Hemoglobin and hematocrit increased by an average of 2.46 g/dL and 3.03%, respectively, after therapy. The prevalence of anemia was significantly decreased from 29.6% to 10%, and those patients with anemia saw significant increases in erythropoietin after therapy. Total cholesterol was reduced and whole blood viscosity and hematocrit were increased; however, whole blood viscosity and hematocrit stabilized after 18 weeks.

“After 54 weeks testosterone undecanoate decreased the prevalence of anemia and components of the metabolic syndrome. A longer duration of testosterone undecanoate therapy of more than 18 weeks may be effective and safe in reducing blood viscosity and improving anemia.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Zhang LT, Shin YS, Kim JY, Park JK. Could testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men ameliorate anemia, a cardiovascular risk factor? An observational, 54-week cumulative registry study. J Urol. 2016;195(4):1057-1064.