The effect of testosterone on health-related quality of life in elderly males - a pilot study

Objective: To assess the effect of short-term testosterone supplementation on health-related quality of life in elderly males. Method: As part of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy males greater than or equal to 65-year-old were randomised to receive a total of four doses of 200 mg testosterone enanthanate (n = 14) or placebo (n = 8) intramuscularly every 2 weeks. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using the Short Form 36-item (SF-36) and Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) scales, at baseline, week 8 and during therapy withdrawal, 6 weeks after the last dose. Results: The baseline SF-36 scores were similar between the groups in seven domains; only vitality was significantly lower in the placebo group (T: 80.4,P: 65.6; P = 0.007). After the 8-week treatment period and withdrawal phase, SF-36 scores were not significantly different between the groups. The PGWB scores at baseline, on treatment and off treatment were not significantly different between the groups. Moreover, the SF-36 and PGWB scores within each group did not change significantly over time. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that intramuscular testosterone, administered at a dose of 200 mg every 2 weeks, does not affect the HRQOL of elderly males.