Testosterone, frailty and physical function in older men

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Age-related decline in serum testosterone (T) has been suggested in some studies to be associated with individual components of frailty: diminished energy, muscle strength and physical function.

Areas covered: The aim of this study is to comprehensively review evidence from observational and interventional studies on the relationship of T to frailty in older men. We reviewed observational studies exploring the relationship between circulating T and its potent metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with frailty. We further reviewed the effects of T treatment on lean mass, muscle strength and physical function in both frail and non-frail older men.

Expert commentary: T treatment may provide modest improvements in lean mass among both frail and non-frail older men, but current evidence on the T effect on muscle strength is conflicting and the effect on physical function is weak.

KEYWORDS:

• Frailty
• testosterone
• ageing
• men
• androgen

Declaration of interest

DJH has received grant funding for investigator-initiated testosterone pharmacology studies and expert testimony to anti-doping tribunals and testosterone litigation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript was not funded.