THE EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE COMPOUNDS UPON THE NITROGEN BALANCE AND CREATINE EXCRETION IN PATIENTS WITH THYROTOXICOSIS 12

Abstract

In 3 patients testosterone propionate induced a markedly positive N balance. It caused a wt. gain even when calorie intake was less than caloric expenditure. Methyl testosterone had a similar but less sustained effect on N balance. Testosterone propionate decreased the hypercreatinuria of thyrotoxicosis, but methyl testosterone increased it, possibly at the expense of protein anabolism. Testosterone propionate induced a striking reduction in the hypercalcuria of thyrotoxicosis in the single patient tested; in another patient it reduced the level of serum K. Testosterone propionate improved the clinical status of these patients, but methyl testosterone aggravated it. Testosterone propionate may prove useful in preparing thyrotoxic patients who have sustained marked wt. loss, with emaciation and muscle wasting, for operation. A daily dosage of 12.5 mg. is probably adequate, and should be given in addition to the drug (iodine or thiouracil) used to reduce the metabolic rate.