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Low testosterone in ageing men: a modifiable risk factor for frailty?
Matthew D L O'Connell1, Rathi Ravindrarajah, Abdelouahid Tajar
1Andrology Research Unit, Developmental and Regenerative Biomedicine Research Group, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), The University of Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|October 8, 2011
Summary
Low testosterone (T) is linked to frailty in older men but is rare and often treatable. Focus should shift to preventative strategies and new treatments for managing frailty.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Male Reproductive Health
Background:
- Substantial interest exists in testosterone's role in male aging.
- Low testosterone may be a risk factor for frailty in older men.
- Testosterone deficiency is rare in aging men and linked to modifiable factors like obesity and illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of testosterone in male aging and frailty.
- To evaluate the focus on hormone replacement versus preventative strategies.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of testosterone treatment in aging males.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on testosterone levels and frailty in aging men.
- Analysis of the link between testosterone deficiency and modifiable risk factors.
- Examination of the effects of testosterone on physical function and treatment safety.
Main Results:
- Testosterone deficiency is uncommon in aging men and associated with treatable conditions.
- The effects of testosterone on physical function are inconsistent.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of testosterone treatment in aging males.
Conclusions:
- Preventative strategies to maintain testosterone levels in aging men are crucial.
- Focus should shift from hormone replacement to addressing modifiable risk factors.
- Further research into novel pro-anabolic agents is needed for optimal frailty management.
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