The Impact of Testosterone in Men's Health

A 2023 state-of-the-art review published in the Endocrine Journal examined the relationship between testosterone and overall male health across multiple clinical domains. The review was authored by Dr. Hisamitsu Ide of the Department of Urology, and assessed evidence spanning sexual function, metabolic health, body composition, bone density, and psychological wellbeing.

Key Findings

Researchers found that age-related testosterone decline is directly associated with a measurable reduction in muscle mass and strength, increased visceral fat, decreased insulin sensitivity, and impaired sexual and cognitive function. Men with low testosterone demonstrated elevated risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Testosterone replacement therapy was found to improve health-related quality of life in men diagnosed with late-onset hypogonadism across several outcomes:

• Improved erectile function and libido

• Increased lean muscle mass and reduced body fat

• Improved glycemic control and cholesterol levels in diabetic patients

• Reduced depressive symptoms

• Improved bone density in men with low baseline testosterone

The review concluded that maintaining healthy testosterone levels through lifestyle optimization and, where clinically indicated, replacement therapy, may extend healthy life expectancy and prevent age-related decline in physical and mental function.

Ide H. | Endocrine Journal | Vol. 70, Issue 7 | Pages 655–662 | 2023 | The Japan Endocrine Society

Read full article here: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/endocrj/70/7/70_EJ22-0604/_html/-char/en