Subdermal implants of different steroidal compounds for treatment of endocrinological disorders.

Various types of steroid-containing implants were used in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, congestive prostatitis, and hypogonadism. 2 Silastic capsules, each containing 22-23 mg of ethinyl estradiol, were inserted subcutaneously in 5 men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. A decline in testosterone levels to less than 1 ng/ml was attained within 6 months following insertion. 6-8 Silastic capsules containing 21-23 mg each of testosterone were implanted in 15 men: 2 castrates and 13 hypogonadals. Testosterone levels increased initially, reaching the highest level at 3 months. Thereafter, the testosterone concentrations declined but remained slightly above pretreatment levels at 9 months. In a group of 9 subjects, 7 men with hypogonadism and 2 women with hypernephroma were treated with 2 rods, each containing approximately 200 mg testosterone propionate. Testosterone concentrations showed initial rises but did not remain elevated. 12 male subjects, 6 with congestive prostatis and 6 with benign prostatic hypertrophy, were treated with a combination of 3 levonorgestrel rods and 3 estrone rods. Each rod contained 40 mg of steroid. This regimen had a therapeutic effect but was only partially successful in inhibiting spermatogenesis.