Counterpoint: urologists should take an active role in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism in the aging male.
The recent interest in the potential applications of new testosterone preparations has stimulated industry and physicians to develop indications for their use. Despite little scientific evidence to support the widespread application of testosterone in aging men, a clinical symptom complex called Partial Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (PADAM) has been described. Many of these symptoms can be successfully treated without testosterone administration. The author suggests that prospective randomized clinical trials are necessary to support the application of testosterone in the PADAM patient and until then physicians take a more balanced approach in this patient population.
Casey
Richard W
RW
The Male Health Centre, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013739:Testosterone