title: Basic consensus document on late-onset hypogonadism.
abstract: One of the most important elements in men's live is the ability to engage in normal sexual activity; loss of this activity has always been considered especially important. The relationship between sexual activity, as well as other masculine characteristics, and the testicles has been well known since ancient times and has been related to the slow decrease in testosterone secretion with advanced age. Male hypogonadism is one of the most frequent and under-diagnosed endocrine diseases. Several terms have been proposed to refer to clinical situations caused by the age-related decline in male gonadal function; currently, the most widely accepted term is late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). LOH consists of a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advanced age (in men), characterized by typical symptoms and reduced serum testosterone concentrations, which can affect multiple organs and systems and reduce quality of life. This syndrome can be treated and the alterations produced can be reversed. To achieve this, a diagnostic protocol that approaches the multiple factors related to the risks and benefits of treatment is required.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Trastornos de Identidad de Género. Servicio de Endocrinología. Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Universidad de Alcalá. Madrid. España.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Becerra Fernández
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Enríquez Acosta