Management of Late-onset Hypogonadism

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J Korean Med Assoc. 2006;49(1):48-52

Publication date (electronic) : 2006 January 31

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2006.49.1.48

Department of Urology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Cheil Hospital, Korea. jtandro@skku.edu

Abstract

There has been a great deal of recent interests in the topic of low testosterone in elderly men, a condition referred to as andropause, ADAM (androgen decline of aging male), or PADAM (partial androgen deficiency of the aging male), or LOH (late onset hypogonadism). Age-related decreases in androgen levels occur gradually and vary considerably among individuals. A low level of testosterone has been implicated as a cause of changes in sexual, physical and behavioral capacity in aging men. Although several observational and interventional studies have demonstrated that androgens have important beneficial functions in the body composition, muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, erythropoiesis, cognition, mood and bone density, and play a key role in male sexual function, a considerable controversy exists regarding the indications of testosterone supplementation in aging male.The objective of this article is to discuss what is known and not known regarding the benefits and risks of testosterone-replacement therapy and the monitoring of men receiving testosterone treatment.

Keywords: Hypogonadism; Testosterone; Aging

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