Trandsdermal compositions and methods for treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract

Compositions and methods for alleviating the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome are provided. The compositions are based on use of a transdermal gel formulation delivery system for androgens, either alone or in combination with other hormones.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A composition for increasing androgen levels in blood comprising an androgen at a concentration of about one percent and a pharmaceutically acceptable gel.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein said androgen comprises testosterone, a testosterone derivative or a combination of testosterone and a testosterone derivative.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising a compound that increases levels of growth hormone or IGF-I in blood.  
     
     
         4 . A method of alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome comprising administering to a patient suffering fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome an effective amount of the composition of  claim 1  so that the symptoms are alleviated.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the patient is a female of peri/postmenstrual age.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the androgen comprises a testosterone derivative.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein a combination of androgens is administered to the patient.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the combination of androgens comprises testosterone or a testosterone derivative and dehydroepiandrosterone.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4  wherein a combination of an androgen and a growth hormone is administered to the patient.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 4  wherein a combination of an androgen and a compound that increases levels of growth hormone in blood is administered to the patient.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of growth hormone releasing peptides, growth hormone releasing hormone, IGF-1, and IGF-2.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of growth hormone and derivatives thereof, IGF-1 and IGF-2, or derivatives thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the compound is a growth hormone releasing peptide mimetic compound that is between 2 and 20 amino acids in length and is known to release growth hormone.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the growth hormone releasing peptide mimetic is hexarelin.