Abstract
PURPOSE: This study analyzed changes in body composition and physical fitness in men with testosterone deficiency (TD) after testosterone treatment (TT) and examined the correlations of body composition and physical fitness with serum testosterone levels and hypogonadal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with TD were divided into control (group I, n=23) and experimental (group II, n=47) groups. Patients in the experimental group were administered intramuscular testosterone enanthate (250 mg) for six months. The aging males symptom scale (AMS) score, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), body mass index, waist circumference, and serum laboratory values were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess the patients' body composition. Seven types of basic exercise tests were used to evaluate the patients' physical fitness. RESULTS: After six months, there were no significant differences in group I, while group II had significantly improved IPSS and AMS scores; increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, prostate-specific antigen, and testosterone levels and skeletal muscle mass; and waist circumference, and body fat mass. All elements of the physical fitness test were significantly improved in group II, with the exceptions of flexibility and endurance. Decreased waist circumference was correlated with changes in testosterone levels in group II, and the IPSS, cardiorespiratory fitness, and agility were correlated with improved hypogonadal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: TT improved the hypogonadal and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with TD and improved body composition, physical fitness, and metabolic syndrome parameters. Increased testosterone and improved hypogonadal symptoms were correlated with a decrease in waist circumference and an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and agility. As such, when implementing TT, we should consider whether these areas may be improved, as this can help to predict the effect.