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Age-Related Testosterone Decline: Whom Do We Treat and Why?

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Abstract

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is characterized by hypogonadal symptoms, together with low serum testosterone values, in men of advancing age. For a variety of reasons, LOH has become popular in both the lay press and the scientific community. While the overall prevalence of LOH is relatively low, the potential sequelae of untreated LOH can be considerable for affected men. The diagnosis of LOH can be challenging, as symptoms are generally nonspecific and overlap with a variety of medical and psychological problems.

Testosterone therapy (TTh) for affected men has become increasingly controversial after several recent observational studies observed an increased cardiovascular risk associated with TTh. However, prior studies have observed little or no cardiovascular risk associated with TTh, and recent studies also support a low cardiovascular risk in men on TTh. In this review, we discuss the LOH patient and controversy surrounding this condition and outline potential risks and benefits of treatment.

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Correspondence to Charles Welliver.

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AEA and MB declare that they have no conflicts of interest. CW reports personal fees from Coloplast and American Society of Andrology, non-financial support from American Medical Systems and Sophiris, and investigator roles with Antares, NexMed, Auxilium, and PROCEPT BioRobotics, outside the submitted work.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Male Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders

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Ahmad, A.E., Bruha, M. & Welliver, C. Age-Related Testosterone Decline: Whom Do We Treat and Why?. Curr Sex Health Rep 8, 97–105 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-016-0074-1

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