Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Low male testosterone levels impact multiple organ systems. Low testosterone impacts men's health with physiologic effects on cognition, muscle mass and strength, bone density, metabolic function, and mood. Differential diagnosis is based on history, physical exam, clinical symptoms, and testosterone levels. The medical management of low testosterone consists of replacement therapy and associated symptom management.
Introduction
Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of male sexual function. The physiological effect of testosterone impacts muscle mass and strength, bone density, metabolic function, mood, and cognition. Decreased testosterone production is known as testosterone deficiency or low testosterone (low T). A decrease in testosterone production is associated with hypogonadism, a clinical syndrome resulting from failure of the testes to produce testosterone that results in decreased spermatozoa production and loss of testosterone's physiologic effect.