The only indication for testosterone administration in older men is testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism.
Compared with young hypogonadal men, the diagnosis and management of male hypogonadism in older men is more challenging. Both the clinical manifestations of androgen deficiency and low testosterone levels may be caused or modified by comorbid illnesses that occur and medications taken more frequently by older men, resulting in a greater likelihood for overdiagnosis of hypogonadism and subsequent inappropriate use of and inadequate response to testosterone treatment. It is important to use a systematic, holistic approach to the diagnosis and management of older men with hypogonadism.
Written by:
Matsumoto AM. Are you the author?
Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center and Clinical Research Unit, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-182-GRECC), Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Reference: Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2013 Jun;42(2):271-86.
doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2013.02.011
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23702401
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