This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. To determine the safety and possible efficacy of treatment of male multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with testosterone. MS susceptibility is decreased in young men as compared to young women. The onset of MS in men correlates with the onset of 'andropause' and in an animal model for MS the disease is decreased in males as compared to female mice. Disease protection in male mice is lost upon castration and testosterone treatment of mice ameliorates disease. While testosterone (T) has been previously shown to be safe and wll tolerated in hypogonadal males, it has not been determined if positive or negative effects will occur when it is given to male MS patients. This study will determine whether treatment with testosterone, given as a transdermal-gel, is safe and well tolerated in male MS patients. MS is a progressive disease in which significant disability often results over time. The only medication, which can reduce the relapse rate, are medications given by injection. If patients do not tolerate the approved drugs for MS and/or they refuse to take injections, then participating in this trial is a good alternative as to compared to no therapy. Since there are no placebo treated patients in this study, each patient is assured of getting treated. In addition to any possible side effects the testosterone treatment may have on MS disease activity, it is highly likely that positive effects on muscle mass and strength and bone mineral density will occur
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