Do low testosterone levels contribute to ill-health during male ageing?

dc.contributor.authorYeap, B.
dc.contributor.authorAraujo, A.
dc.contributor.authorWittert, G.
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractTestosterone regulates male sexual development and body composition. In adult men, testosterone levels exhibit a gradual decline with increasing age. Whether it is age per se or health and behaviour related factors that are responsible for this decline, and the implications thereof for subsequent health remain controversial. Observational studies report associations of lower testosterone levels with poorer health outcomes in ageing men, including frailty, reduced sexual activity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular events and mortality. However, outcome data from randomised clinical trials of testosterone are limited, and are lacking for major endpoints such as cardiovascular events. The risks and benefits of testosterone intervention in older men require further clarification. This article will review the role of testosterone in men, discuss epidemiological and interventional data illuminating its potential role to preserve health during male ageing, consider the limitations of the evidence base and implications for clinical practice, and explore future directions for research in this topical area.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityYeap, Bu B ; Araujo, Andre B ; Wittert, Gary A
dc.identifier.citationCritical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 2012; 49(5):168-182
dc.identifier.doi10.3109/10408363.2012.725461
dc.identifier.issn1040-8363
dc.identifier.issn1549-781X
dc.identifier.orcidWittert, G. [0000-0001-6818-6065]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/75934
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherCRC Press Llc
dc.rights© 2012 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.3109/10408363.2012.725461
dc.subjectCardiovascular disease
dc.subjectfrailty
dc.subjectsexual activity
dc.subjectinsulin resistance
dc.subjectmale ageing
dc.subjectmortality
dc.subjecttestosterone
dc.titleDo low testosterone levels contribute to ill-health during male ageing?
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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