Testosterone replacement therapy in people with HIV

It is estimated that as many as 40% of HIV-positive men who are ill because of HIV have low levels of testosterone (hypogonadism). Low testosterone can result in decreased appetite, depression, poor metabolism of food and sexual problems, including the inability to obtain and maintain an erection.

A blood test can show if you have low levels of testosterone and your doctor may prescribe either a short course of oral testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone patches or testosterone gel.

Although testosterone is usually considered to be the male sexual hormone, it also occurs naturally in women. Testosterone patches have been examined as a treatment for wasting caused by HIV in women. It was found that weight and quality of life improved for some of the women and the development of male characteristics was not reported.