TY - JOUR
T1 - Low testosterone in ageing men: A modifiable risk factor for frailty?
AU - O'Connell, Matthew D L
AU - Ravindrarajah, Rathi
AU - Tajar, Abdelouahid
AU - Wu, Frederick C W
PY - 2011/12
Y1 - 2011/12
N2 - There is substantial interest in the role of testosterone (T) in male ageing. Studies suggest that low T may be a risk factor for frailty, the vulnerable health status that occurs at advanced ages. However, T deficiency is relatively rare in ageing men and, importantly, is linked to modifiable risk factors including body weight and concurrent illnesses. These observations shift the focus away from hormone replacement and towards potential preventative strategies to help maintain T levels in ageing men. Furthermore, the effects of T on physical function remain inconsistent, and studies examining the safety of T treatment in ageing males raise concerns. Further research may usefully focus on novel pro-anabolic pharmaceutical agents, which together with other interventions will allow for optimal management of frailty. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
AB - There is substantial interest in the role of testosterone (T) in male ageing. Studies suggest that low T may be a risk factor for frailty, the vulnerable health status that occurs at advanced ages. However, T deficiency is relatively rare in ageing men and, importantly, is linked to modifiable risk factors including body weight and concurrent illnesses. These observations shift the focus away from hormone replacement and towards potential preventative strategies to help maintain T levels in ageing men. Furthermore, the effects of T on physical function remain inconsistent, and studies examining the safety of T treatment in ageing males raise concerns. Further research may usefully focus on novel pro-anabolic pharmaceutical agents, which together with other interventions will allow for optimal management of frailty. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
U2 - 10.1016/j.tem.2011.08.003
DO - 10.1016/j.tem.2011.08.003
M3 - Article
SN - 1043-2760
VL - 22
SP - 491
EP - 498
JO - Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
JF - Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
IS - 12
ER -