Androgen Deficiency

Male hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome of signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency and consistently low morning serum testosterone concentrations. The prevalence of hypogonadism due to hypothalamus, pituitary, or testes pathology is less than 1%, and the prevalence due to obesity (body mass index ≥30) is from 2% to 8%.

Concerns about sexual desire are a frequent reason couples seek therapy. Consequently, researchers, clinicians, and educators have increasingly focused on understanding issues related to sexual desire.

Cancer remains a major global public health problem. A key aspect of cancer care among survivors is sexual health. Cancer patients experience a range of sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and reduced libido.

Congenital aromatase deficiency is an autosomal recessive CYP19A1 loss-of-function disorder that blocks conversion of androgens to estrogens. A man with homozygous CYP19A1 c.628G > A (exon 5) presented with longstanding fatigue, low libido, and desire to maintain fertility.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a long-term decrease in sexual desire (low-libido) causing personal distress. HSDD predominantly affects post-menopausal women or following oophorectomy.

In the online version of JAMA, published February 20, 2026, reports under the headings of “News and Analysis”1 and “Medical News in Brief”2 highlighted the persistent discrepancy in life expectancy between men and women. The original articles on which these reports are based3,4 merit close attention, as their data may refine how we frame this issue.

Testosterone constitutes an indispensable determinant of male corporeal integrity, psychological resilience, and overall vitality across the life course. Testosterone deficiency (male hypogonadism) represents an endocrine disorder capable of engendering a broad spectrum of somatic derangements and psychosocial sequelae.

Older adults are not traditionally a priority group for sexual health (SH) promotion, however recent years have seen increasing interest in this population. Effective SH promotion requires an understanding of older adults' interests, concerns and knowledge gaps.

Sexual health and well-being (SH&WB) in late midlife is an important yet underexplored aspect of healthy aging. Satisfying sexual activity contributes to psychological and relational well-being, yet midlife is marked by physiological changes, health issues, and social transitions that can affect sexual functioning.

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health, influencing diverse physiological processes, including those related to sexual health. Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and sexual health, mediated by its impact on systemic inflammation, hormonal regulation, and immune function.