Androgen Replacement Therapy in Women With Hypopituitarism

Inclusion criteria: Hypogonadism and/or hypoadrenalism of central origin Testosterone or free testosterone level below the median for age-matched normal controls Prior estrogen preparation for at least 6 months Exclusion criteria: Any disease known to affect bone metabolism, including untreated hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism Change in thyroid hormone dose in the last 3 months Untreated Cushing's syndrome Renal failure Alcoholism Anorexia nervosa Prior use of medication known to affect bone metabolism (e.g., supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids, phenytoin, bisphosphonates, or calcitonin) within the past 3 months Pregnant or nursing Uncontrolled hypertension ALT greater than 3 times upper limit of normal Serum creatinine greater than 2 times the upper limit of normal Any contraindication to estrogen therapy, including history of breast cancer or undiagnosed uterine bleeding Concurrent growth hormone replacement therapy, if patient has been receiving it for less than 2 years