title: Assessment and management of male androgen disorders: an update.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Male hypogonadism, caused by intrinsic pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, is an under-diagnosed condition not to be missed. By contrast, late onset hypogonadism (LOH), due to functional suppression of the HPT axis from age-related comorbidities, may be less common than previously believed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article outlines the aetiology, clinical features, investigation and management of male hypogonadism and discusses the more controversial area of LOH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pathologically based hypogonadism is, after a thorough diagnostic work-up, treated with testosterone replacement therapy, unless fertility is desired. LOH with modest reductions in testosterone levels should primarily be managed by attention to lifestyle measures, especially weight loss, and optimisation of comorbidities. Clear treatment goals should be identified, and efficacy and safety should be monitored according to published clinical practice guidelines.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, BMedSc, Endocrinology Advanced Trainee, Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC.
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Mark Ng Tang
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Fui
authors.forename: Jeffrey D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Zajac
authors.forename: Mathis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grossmann
mesh_terms: D017668:Age of Onset; D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D013737:Testis / Q000503:physiopathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone