Metabolic Effects of Androgenicity in Aging Men and Women
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2016-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The goal of this research study is to study the effect of testosterone or estrogen on blood
sugar control and fat metabolism. Changes in hormone levels with age may affect risk factors
for heart disease such as diabetes. Diabetes is a glandular condition associated with lack of
the hormone insulin or an insensitivity to it resulting in problems with blood sugar control
and fat metabolism. The effect of commonly used hormonal supplements such as testosterone by
older adults on insulin and body composition is not well understood. In this study, the role
of testosterone and estrogen on your ability to control blood sugar and your body composition
will be assessed.
The investigators plan to study 60 subjects. All of these subjects will be healthy older men
between the ages of 60-85 years old who are not on testosterone therapy. Subjects that are
screened who have any clinically significant abnormalities detected on their screening
physical exam or laboratory testing (e.g. Prostate Specific Antigen > 4), who have a history
of prostate cancer, polycythemia, or who cannot take testosterone will not be included.
If a subject is eligible to participate after initial screening, that subject will take
medications to adjust their hormone levels and have tests performed that measure insulin
sensitivity and adiposity before and after these hormone medications. The outcomes that will
be measured are: 1) insulin sensitivity, 2) hormone levels (total and free testosterone
levels, sex hormone-binding globulin levels) and 3) body composition and abdominal adiposity.