Liver damage from long-term methyltestosterone

Lancet. 1977 Aug 6;2(8032):262-3.

Abstract

Of 60 patients (42 female transsexuals and 18 impotent males) receiving long-term therapy with methyltestosterone 50 mg three times a day, 19 had abnormal liver-function tests and 33 out of 52 had abnormal liver scans, particularly those who had been treated for more than a year. Liver biopsy specimens showed accumulation of hepatocytes in the liver cords and within the walls of centrilobular veins, and early peliosis hepatis. One patient had a hepatic adenoma. Of the androgens, only 17alpha-alkylated steroids seem to be implicated in the development of cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis, and liver tumours.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / chemically induced*
  • Adenoma / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Cholestasis / chemically induced*
  • Cholestasis / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / drug therapy
  • Liver / blood supply
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Liver Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Methyltestosterone / adverse effects*
  • Methyltestosterone / therapeutic use
  • Purpura / chemically induced*
  • Purpura / diagnosis
  • Transsexualism / drug therapy

Substances

  • Methyltestosterone