RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Androgen deficiency in older men: Indications, advantages, and pitfalls of testosterone replacement therapy
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 797
OP 806
DO 10.3949/ccjm.79a.12010
VO 79
IS 11
A1 John J. McGill
A1 Daniel A. Shoskes
A1 Edmund S. Sabanegh, Jr.
YR 2012
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/79/11/797.abstract
AB The decline in testosterone with age has been associated with specific physical changes that affect quality of life and life expectancy, although a cause-and-effect relationship is yet to be established. While female menopause is rapid and well described, “male menopause” or androgen decline in older men is gradual and marked by nonspecific symptoms. This makes diagnosis of true testosterone deficiency and prediction of response to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) challenging. This article reviews androgen decline in men, focusing on those over age 40, and covers symptoms, indications, contraindications, diagnosis, treatments, and the risks and benefits of treatment.