Hyalinization of Seminiferous Tubules and Clumping of Leydig Cells. Notes on Treatment of the Clinical Syndrome with Testosterone Propionate, Methyl Testosterone and Testosterone Pellets12

Abstract

Patients suffering from hyalinization of the seminiferous tubules with partial Leydig-cell failure responded favorably when treated by substitution therapy with androgens. These satisfactory responses included the following: correction of sexual infantilism in those instances where it occurred; initiation or acceleration of the maturation process in those instances where it had been found to be incomplete; relief from symptoms of the [male] climacteric, the latter occurring frequently in subjects over 25 years old; surprising improvement of the psyche and of muscular development and strength in the majority of cases. The favorable responses often could not be anticipated on the basis of the clinical evaluation of the patient prior to the introduction of therapy. Implantation of 6-8 pellets of testosterone, weighing .75 mg. each, under the skin proved the most satisfactory method. The effect of a single implantation lasted 6 mos. or longer. The inj. of 25 mg. of testosterone propionate 5 times weekly was also successful. The effects of methyl testosterone administered orally or sublingually were disappointing.