Testosterone and Aging

Popular culture often equates testosterone with virility, strength, and the machomale physique. Viewed by some as an "antiaging tonic," testosterone''s reputationand increased use by men of all ages in the United States have outpaced the scientificevidence about its potential benefits and risks. In particular there has been growingconcern about an increase in the number of middle-aged and older men usingtestosterone and the lack of scientific data on the effect it may have on aging males.Studies of testosterone replacement therapy in older men have generally been ofshort duration, involving small numbers of participants and often lacking adequatecontrols. Testosterone and Aging weighs the options of future research directions,examines the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, assesses thepotential public health impact of such therapy in the United States, and considersethical issues related to the conduct of clinical trials. Testosterone therapy remains anattractive option to many men even as speculation abounds regarding its potential.