Abstract

TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT BENEFITS AND RISKS IN MEN WITH AGE-RELATED TESTOSTERONE DECLINE

Niyati Dogra*, Manju Jakhar, Parul Sood and Roshmi Ray

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Abstract

The significant increase in men's life expectancy has heightened awareness of the quality-of-life issues related to reproductive aging. Serum total and free testosterone levels in men gradually fall with age after reaching a peak in their second and third decades of life. Comorbid diseases, obesity, medications, and hereditary variables can influence the course of age-related deterioration. Testosterone therapy increases general sexual activity, sexual desire, erectile function; improves bone strength in the spine and the hip; corrects inexplicable aging anemia; increases skeletal muscle mass, strength and power, self-reported mobility; and also helps to alleviate depression symptoms to a degree. Long-term testosterone effects on major cardiovascular events and prostate cancer risk are unknown. The Endocrine Society advises against testosterone therapy for all older men with low testosterone levels but suggests consideration of treatment on an individualized basis in men who have consistently low testosterone levels and symptoms or conditions suggestive of testosterone insufficiency.

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