Use of androgens in patients who have HIV/AIDS: what we know about the effect of

[Guest guest]

1: AIDS Read. 2001 Mar;11(3):149-56. Links

Use of androgens in patients who have HIV/AIDS: what we know about the effect of androgens on wasting and lipodystrophy.

Abrams D.

University of California at San Francisco, School of Medicine, USA.

Decreases in energy, sense of well-being, libido, muscle strength, and muscle mass occur often in patients who have chronic diseases, such as HIV infection. When these symptoms were first recognized in HIV-positive patients, they were thought to be manifestations of HIV infection but may possibly be associated with hypogonadism. Most HIV-infected patients who have hypogonadism have secondary or central hypogonadism, not primary testicular failure. In HIV-infected hypogonadal men, administration of testosterone appears to increase fat-free mass, muscle mass, and quality of life (increased libido, erectile function, and sense of well-being). Similarly, anabolic steroid hormones appear to increase lean body weight and decrease fat content. Although androgens have been used for the treatment of HIV-related wasting and for hypogonadism, many questions remain unanswered, including those regarding the long-term effects, if any, of suppression of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as the long-term possibilities of malignancy of the prostate and of hepatocellular cancer. Appropriate doses of the various preparations of testosterone and anabolic steroids have not been determined

Regards, Vergelpowerusa dot org"I learned that...no one is perfect but most people are good; that people can't be judged only by the worst or weakest moments; that harsh judgements can make hypocrites of us all; that a lot of life is just showing up and hanging on; that laughter is often the best, and sometimes the only response to pain." My Life by Bill Clinton