Androgenic Therapy in Women

In a recent letter to the Editor1 Dr. E. C. Hamblen sharply condemns the use of androgens in the prac tice of gynecology. He bases his discussion upon a particular case that came to his attention, one in which a total of 2500 mg. of testosterone propionate was administered by some physician over a period of 10 months to a girl of but 15 years of age. This was truly an astonishing procedure. One point which is fundamental and with which none will take issue is that the excessive use of any pharmacologic agent, hormonal or otherwise, is harmful. It must be admitted that following large parenteral doses (500 to 600 mg. per month) of testosterone propionate, undesirable side-reactions such as temporary virilization may develop. Such dosage used parenterally has given cause for protestation that androgens are ‘contrasexual.’ But it well may be that it is the dosage and not the hormone that is contraphysiologic.