Study Reveals Testosterone Gel Ineffective for Women Recovering from Hip Fractures

A recent clinical trial has determined that the use of testosterone gel does not confer additional benefits for women recovering from hip fractures, despite initial hopes for improved mobility and physical function.

Hip fractures, frequently resulting from falls, are recognized as one of the most severe types of osteoporotic fractures. These injuries can lead to significant pain, decreased muscle and bone strength, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of subsequent fractures and mortality. In the United States alone, over 200,000 women experience hip fractures annually, with many failing to regain their previous levels of activity even after extensive rehabilitation.

In an effort to explore new treatment avenues, researchers conducted a clinical trial to evaluate whether the application of testosterone gel, alongside an exercise regimen, could enhance recovery outcomes in this demographic. Testosterone is a hormone present in all women, and its levels decline with age, impacting muscle function. The hypothesis was that testosterone supplementation might amplify the benefits of exercise during recovery.

Findings published in the journal JAMA Network Open indicate that the testosterone gel did not lead to any significant improvements in physical function compared to a placebo among older women participating in a supervised exercise program following hip fracture surgery. While there were indications of some positive effects on short-distance mobility, these findings warrant further investigation to validate their significance.

According to Jay Magaziner, Ph.D., MSHyg, a co-author and principal investigator of the study, the research aimed to assess two potential recovery approaches: testosterone gel and high-intensity exercise. He stated that the study results demonstrate that adding testosterone to an exercise regimen does not yield benefits for enhancing physical function in older women recovering from hip fractures.

The study, referred to as STEP-HI, involved 129 women aged 65 and older who had undergone surgical repair for a hip fracture and experienced mobility challenges. This trial is noted as the largest investigation into testosterone administration in women post-hip fracture, conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and several clinical sites across the country.

Denise Orwig, Ph.D., another co-author and principal investigator at a clinical site, expressed disappointment over the lack of expected improvements from testosterone therapy. However, she emphasized the importance of exercise in facilitating functional recovery for hip fracture patients.

Ellen Binder, MD, the lead investigator, highlighted a noteworthy finding: participants who received both exercise training and testosterone experienced a notable decrease in reliance on walking aids and demonstrated greater short-distance performance improvements compared to those who were given a placebo. This aspect requires further examination to determine whether testosterone therapy could play a role in enhancing recovery post-hip fracture.

In conclusion, while the study did not confirm the anticipated benefits of testosterone gel, it underscores the critical role of exercise in aiding recovery for women after hip fractures.