Title:Is Testosterone the “Fountain of Youth” for Aging Men?
Volume: 23
Issue: 2
Author(s): Vito Angelo Giagulli*, Giuseppe Lisco, Francesco Mariano, Anna De Tullio and Vincenzo Triggiani
Affiliation:
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Outpatients
Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Conversano Hospital, Bari, Italy
Keywords:
Testosterone deficiency, late-onset hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy, guidelines, older adults, antiaging.
Abstract:
Background: Late-Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) is defined as a clinical and biochemical
syndrome associated with advancing age. It is characterized by specific symptoms and less
specific manifestations due to deficiency of serum testosterone (T) levels.
Objective: This review aims to summarize the evidence related to LOH definition, diagnostic
approach, and treatment to answer a clinical question: “Is Testosterone the fountain of youth for
aging men?".
Methodology: MEDLINE/PubMed and institutional websites were searched for original papers,
guidelines, and position statements published in the last ten years.
Results: Observational and randomized controlled studies on T replacement therapy in older men
have been reported.
Discussion and Conclusion: Despite some heterogeneities regarding diagnostic definition, therapeutic
target, and testosterone prescription, all guidelines agreed that male hypogonadism should
be diagnosed and managed in aged men as in adulthood. However, trials assessing the efficacy
of T therapy conducted for male rejuvenating are lacking; thus, T prescription for this purpose is
not recommended.