[Diagnosis and treatment of male testosterone deficiency]

Testosterone, as the most important sex hormone of the male, plays a critical role in growth, development, reproduction, and maintenance of the functions of vital organs. Testosterone deficiency may lead to functional disorders in many organs or systems, which are collectively termed testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS). TDS is a clinical and physiochemical syndrome resulted from ageing. It is recognized that the abnormally low level of testosterone is correlated with the male unhealthy status. As for the treatment of TDS, disputes exist over the necessity of testosterone supplement and the time to start the therapy, because the testosterone threshold that induces the clinical symptoms differs among different individuals and the symptoms are non-specific.