AndroGel is a prescription testosterone supplement and replacement provided in a clear topical gel. The product is for adult men only, designed to assist when the body does not produce enough testosterone, a condition called hypogonadism. The product should be used with caution because it is associated with many serious side effects. Low testosterone can have a significant negative impact on quality of life for men, so AndroGel treatment offers important benefits.
Sexual Benefits
Low testosterone levels decrease sexual desire and perfomance in men, and AndroGel can improve these problems, according to AndroGel manufacturer Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Men using AndroGel can expect to experience an increase in sexual desire, motivation, function and enjoyment, as well as an improvement in performance and erection, within one month. A study published in the May 2004 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" confirmed sexual benefits of AndroGel, finding that sexual function of participants improved rapidly and was maintained throughout the entire 42 months of the study.
Mood Elevation
Research discussed in the January 9, 2003 issue of the "Harvard University Gazette" found a high incidence of low testosterone in men with depression who did not respond to antidepressant drugs. After this finding, researchers asked 22 men to apply gel substances for eight weeks, with 12 men using AndroGel and 10 men applying a placebo. Positive results were noted, although AndroGel did not work for everyone. Ten of the 12 participants using AndroGel completed the study, with three showing almost no improvement, four experiencing modest improvement, and three having "dramatic" improvement. Psychological tests indicated elevated mood and a decrease in guilt, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Muscle vs. Fat
The men in both the Harvard and the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism studies experienced an increase in muscle mass and a loss in fat while using AndroGel, confirming another benefit advertised by product manufacturer Solvay Pharmaceuticals. In the Harvard study, this benefit also occurred in men who did not experience a decrease in depression.
Bone Density Increase
An additional advertised benefit of AndroGel is an increase in bone mineral density within six months when using the 10g dose. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism research found that men using AndroGel did experience a gradual and progressive increase in bone mineral density, primarily in the spine.
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