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Published on: July 5, 2017
The anabolic applications of androgens in older adults with functional limitations
Arijeet K Gattu1,1,2, Anna L Goldman1,1,2, Ezgi Caliskan Guzelce1,1
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, RFB-2, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Aging is associated with a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass, strength and power and impairment of physical function. Serum testosterone concentrations in men decrease with advancing age due to defects at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Testosterone administration increases skeletal muscle mass, strength and power in older men with low or low normal testosterone levels, but the effects on performance-based measures of physical function have been inconsistent. Adequately powered randomized trials are needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of testosterone in improving physical function and quality of life in older adults with functional limitations.
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