Testosterone therapy for the pruritus of obstructive jaundice

Abstract

Methyltestosterone (25 mg. daily sublingually) relieved pruritus within seven days in seven patients suffering from chronic obstructive jaundice. The rationale of this therapy is not known. Testosterone propionate by subcutaneous implant was not so effective, perhaps owing to inadequate absorption. Other effects of prolonged testosterone therapy were an increase in the depth of jaundice, a fall in the serum cholesterol level, and masculinization in three of the six female patients treated. © 1952, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.