11: Androgen deficiency and replacement therapy in men

Abstract

■ Androgen deficiency is a clinical diagnosis confirmed by hormone assays. ■ Among younger men, androgen deficiency is ususally due to underlying hypothalamopituitary or testicular disorders. ■ Androgen replacement therapy should be started after proof of androgen deficiency and should continue lifelong with monitoring. ■ Men presenting with erectile dysfunction should be evaluated for androgen deficiency, but it is an uncommon cause; if overt androgen deficiency is confirmed, an underlying disorder needs further specialist investigation. ■ In the absence of characteristic underlying testicular or pituitary disorders, new diagnosis of androgen deficiency in older men is difficult because of ..