Effects of estradiol on fat in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: A randomized trial

Abstract

Objective: Indirect evidence suggests that the effects of testosterone on fat mass in men are dependent on aromatization to estradiol (E2). However, no controlled study h as assessed the effects of E2 in the absence of testosterone. Design: Six-month randomized, placebo-controlled trial with the hypoth esis that men randomized to E2 would reduce their fat mass. Methods: Seventy-eight participants receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer were randomized to 0.9 mg of 0.1% E2 gel per day, or matched placebo. Dual x-ray a bsorptiometry body composition was measured at baseline, month 3, and month 6. The primary outcome was total f at mass. Results: Serum E2 increased in the est..