Hormonal substitution in older men.
The biological bases of endocrine alterations in ageing men are now well identified: progressive impairment of testicular function, decline in growth hormone (GH) secretion with decreased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels, and reduced adrenal androgen secretion. Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance also accompany male ageing. The mechanisms of these age-related changes are still unknown. There are preliminary results on the effects of hormonal replacement therapy in older males with mild hypogonadism or decreased IGF-I levels. Controlled placebo studies will in the future define the risks and benefits of long-term administration of androgens, GH or GH-releasing hormone in these patients. In view of the severe potential side effects, the generalized use of hormonal substitution in elderly men cannot, for the moment, be recommended.
Pugeat
M
M
Laboratoire de la Clinique Endocrinologique, Hôpital de l'Antiquaille, Lyon, France.
Fimbel
S
S
Crave
J C
JC
Déchaud
H
H
Lejeune
H
H
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000502:physiology; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology
D006728:Hormones; D013006:Growth Hormone