Testosterone is the dominant and most important androgen in males. It is responsible for the male phenotype and the typical androgen effects like sexual differentiation, virilization, and potency. Testosterone also plays a vital role in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Despite the physiological importance of testosterone it is not essential for survival.
Treatment of male hypogonadism is based on the administration of testosterone. Testosterone replacement aims to relieve symptoms and prevent long term sequelae within appropriate testosterone serum levels.
There are several preparations available in the market internationally. In South Africa, however, the options are limited to three products, namely Depo-Testosterone, Nebido, and Proviron.