title: Hormonal substitution in older men.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de la Clinique Endocrinologique, Hôpital de l'Antiquaille, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pugeat
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fimbel
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Crave
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Déchaud
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lejeune
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D013006:Growth Hormone