A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial of testosterone gel treatment versus vehicle control on the facial hair of young men with beta‐thalassemia major

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether the medical prescription of testosterone gel can successfully increase facial hairs in young men with beta‐thalassemia major. Methods: Thirty‐two men with beta‐thalassemia major, at least 15 years old (tanner stage ⩾4), were randomized in four blocks according to age and serum testosterone level. The cases received 2.5% testosterone gel. The changes in the number of terminal hairs were evaluated by a dermatologist after 6 months. Student's t‐test and paired t‐test were used to compare the results. Results: The serum testosterone levels of controls and cases were 9.5±5.7 (mean±SD) and 10.5±9.6 ng/l, respectively. The number of terminal hairs (per cm²) in cases (29.8±13.6) was significantly higher than that for controls (13.9±13.2) (p<0.005). One patient from each group complained of a sense of irritation. Conclusion: The 2.5% testosterone gel was effective and well tolerated in inducing the transformation of the terminal hairs of the beard area of thalassemic males.

• Beard
• hypogonadism
• SMR
• testosterone gel
• thalassemia major
• treatment