Hypogonadism and cardiovascular diseases in men
Terapevticheskii arkhiv 83(10): 61-67
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-3660 PMID: 22185029 Document Number: 649804
The article analyses correlation between low levels of sex hormones in men (male hypogonadism) and cardiovascular diseases. It was believed for a long time that androgens have adverse effect on cardiovascular system. It is shown that, on the contrary, hypogonadism indirectly raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases via various components of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, correction of male hypogonadism with testosterone preparations may have a positive effect on risk factors of vascular complications including fat reduction, normalization of blood pressure, correction of dyslipidemia. Pharmacologically, testosterone undecanoate for intramuscular injections (nebido) is a good form. This drug can provide a stable physiological testosterone level for about 12 weeks after injection.