Serum testosterone levels in South African men and the onset of androgen decline in ageing males.
Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in men is defined as ‘a clinical and biochemical syndrome, associated with advanc-ing age and characterised by typical symptoms and a defi-ciency in serum testosterone levels’.1 Terms like ‘male climacterium’,2 ‘andropause’,3 or the ‘male menopause’4 are misnomers of the condition, and their use is outdated.5 The testosterone deficiency may adversely affect the function of multiple organ systems and subsequently result in a signifi-cant loss of quality of life.1 Androgens are essential for the development and mainte-nance of male reproductive organs and male characteristics.6 Testosterone is the major androgen and only 1- 2 % of serum testosterone occurs in the free form. The rest is bound13 to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Collectively, the free testosterone and albumin-bound frac-
Source: PubMed
Authors: M S Bornman, S Reif
Institution: University of Pretoria
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2165898468