Testosterone and men's health: An in-depth exploration of their relationship

Abstract

Testosterone plays a pivotal role in male health throughout the lifespan. Men generally exhibit higher serum testosterone levels than women, influencing critical aspects of male physiology. It drives normal sexual differentiation during fetal development, promotes the acquisition of pubertal traits, and induces the development of secondary male sex characteristics. While testosterone levels naturally decline with age, this decrease varies greatly between individuals, indicating that aging alone does not account for any specific testosterone level. The interindividual variability highlights the influence of both genetic and environmental factors on testosterone production. Abnormal changes in testosterone levels, whether excessive or deficient, can have significant implications for men's health, contributing to conditions such as hypogonadism, cardiovascular disease, sexual disorders, and metabolic disorders. Precision medicine provides personalized testosterone treatment options for hypogonadism, taking into account genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle aspects to improve outcomes. This tailored approach is also relevant in dealing with broader reproductive and sexual health issues, ensuring effective and individualized care. This review focuses on testosterone's varied involvement in men's health, using biomarkers and precision medicine breakthroughs to inform tailored therapy and future research.

Keywords

aging / androgen receptor / cardiovascular disease / hypogonadism / men's health / metabolic disorders / testosterone

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