Korean J Urol.
2003 Dec;44(12):1191-1202.
Hormone Supplement Therapy in Andropause
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Urology, Pusan National University, College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. pnc@pusan.ac.kr
Abstract
- Though the causes of aging are genetically determinated, beginning and progression of aging may be mediated by a change of endocrine factors. The change of endocrine factors in aging males widely differ for every man and is less clear than in women resulting in an underestimation of the problem unless he presents with sexual dysfunction and reduced fecundity. Only recently, it has been accepted that the andropause, manifested by decline levels of serum androgen and other key hormones after the 30th year, results in various physical and mental disabilities similar to those experienced by women. With the various type and route, testosterone for androgen supplement therapy has been used properly to treat andropause with a desirable clinical outcome under the standard recommended guideline as well as obviously close monitoring on the long term trial. Additionally, benefit and risk of miscellaneous hormones including dehydroepiandrosterone, growth hormone, melatonin and others is still investigating on andropause patients under the various clinical setting. Nevertheless, it is strongly suggested that hormone supplement therapy restores the quality of life through the improvement of general body functions in senescence with andropause.
