The many faces of testosterone

Figures & data

Table 1 The many faces of testosterone

Intrauterine life in a 46XY fetus Puberty Classical hypogonadism Post-menopausal women Bones Muscles/frailty Libido Erectile function Cognition Mood Erythropoiesis and anemia Coronary artery disease Obesity Diabetes mellitus HIV AIDS Autoimmune Disease Narcotic dependence Age-related hypogonadism

Table 2 Symptoms or findings of low testosterone

Weakness

Fatigue

Lethargy

Mood changes – dysthymia         – depression         – irritability

Decreased libido

Decreased erectile function

Decreased quality of orgasm

Decreased muscle mass

Decreased motivation

Loss of self-confidence

Decreased energy

Anemia

Osteopenia/osteoporosis

Decreased facial, axillary, pubic hair

Insomnia

Flushes

Table 3 Selected causes of classical hypogonadism

A. Primary Hypogonadism (Testicular Causes – High LH and FSH)

Castration

Testicular trauma

Klinefelter’s Syndrome

Orchitis

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy to the testes

B. Secondary Hypogonadism (Hypothalamic-Pituitary Causes-Low LH and FSH)

GnRH insufficiency (idiopathic or Kallmann’s syndrome)

Pituitary or hypothalamic tumour

Hyperprolactinemia

Pituitary surgery