testosterone & risk of osteoporosis

Clinical trials

Design:

70 men, mean age 71

Low serum testosterone (< 350 ng/mL)

Groups:

• testosterone 20 mg IM every 2 weeks
• testosterone 20 mg IM every 2 weeks plus oral finasteride
• placebo

Results:

Bone mineral density increased significantly from baseline in both testosterone groups (10% at lumbar spine & 2.5% at hip), but not the placebo group

Prostate-specific antigen & prostate size increased more in testosterone only group than in testosterone plus finasteride group

Dose reductions required in 33% of patients because hematocrit increased to above 52%