The effect of testosterone supplementation on BMD and the risk of falls or fracture remains inconclusive .
However , supplementation may benefit patients in the areas of sexual function and quality of life without increasing the risk of cardiovascular events , all-cause mortality , or prostatic events .
Testosterone deficiency ( TD ) may induce a series of clinical symptoms .
Studies have shown that testosterone supplementation may prevent these unfavourable symptoms and improve patients ’ quality of life .
Given the conflicting findings across studies , this systematic review aims to evaluate the effects and risks associated with testosterone supplementation in middle-aged or aging males with TD .
Difficulties in measuring the effect of testosterone replacement therapy on muscle function in older men.
Muscle wasting in older men may be related to and rogen deficiency . We have assessed the effect of testosterone replacement therapy on muscle function in the upper and lower limbs of older ( age > 60 years ) men with blood testosterone levels < 14 nmol/L. Subjects ( n = 7 per group ) received testosterone enanthate 200 mg i.m . or placebo every 2 weeks in a double blind study over a 12-week period and underwent muscle testing every 4 weeks . A significant increase in blood levels of testosterone and a reduction in levels of sex hormone binding globulin occurred in the treatment group . Total body mass , haemoglobin and packed cell volume also increased significantly ( p < 0.05 ) . No improvements in h and grip strength , isometric strength of knee flexors and extensors or leg extensor power were seen in either group . Wide variability in all measures of muscle function were observed in these elderly men suggesting that very large study groups would be required to determine potential treatment benefits on muscle function
The effect of testosterone supplementation on BMD and the risk of falls or fracture remains inconclusive .
However , supplementation may benefit patients in the areas of sexual function and quality of life without increasing the risk of cardiovascular events , all-cause mortality , or prostatic events .
Testosterone deficiency ( TD ) may induce a series of clinical symptoms .
Studies have shown that testosterone supplementation may prevent these unfavourable symptoms and improve patients ’ quality of life .
Given the conflicting findings across studies , this systematic review aims to evaluate the effects and risks associated with testosterone supplementation in middle-aged or aging males with TD .