aged men and testosterone therapy

health improvement  for older men from hormone replacement

The Endocrine Society notes that several factors should be considered when setting up the protocol for the measurement of testosterone in study participants. One of the issues addressed in the IOM detailed report pertains to the definition of a "normal range" for testosterone in healthy men.

Currently, reference range varies depending on the type and manufacturer of the test used for measurement. Since a primary criterion for selection of study participants is a low testosterone level, it will be crucial to address the problem of lack of standardization in reference range for serum testosterone. Also, it is unclear what level of testosterone should be considered low and associated with disability or symptoms. In addition to this area of concern, it will also be important to include other tests in the laboratory measurements obtained for each study participant. Total testosterone levels may be affected by several factors including the level of protein in the blood that transports the hormone in the body, age, obesity and interferences associated with commonly used test methods. More meaningful blood tests, which should be considered for the study population (i.e. men over 65 years), are bioavailable or free serum testosterone. It is also important to collect blood samples for hormone measurement in the morning hours from seven to 10 a.m., and to confirm results with a repeat measurement in order to obtain meaningful results. Finally, The Endocrine Society notes that a clear diagnosis of hypogonadism in men of all ages remains an established indication for testosterone therapy.

In 2000 and 2001, the Endocrine Society convened a panel of authorities in various areas of medicine, including endocrinology, urology, psychiatry and primary care, to perform an in depth review of the issues pertaining to androgen deficiency in aging men. The conferences were held to evaluate the current research on testosterone therapy and to develop recommendations for testosterone therapy that could be used in a clinical setting. Additionally, the group examined the defined levels of testosterone in young and older men.