Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America · Feb 8, 2022

Testosterone Treatment As a Function-Promoting Therapy in Sarcopenia Associated with Aging and Chronic Disease

By Dos Santos MR, Storer TW

Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of muscle strength and physical ability because of aging and/or chronic disease. Supplemental testosterone and other androgenic-anabolic steroids have been investigated as countermeasures to ameliorate the negative consequences of sarcopenia; these trials show dose-related improvements in lean body mass, maximal voluntary strength, stair climbing power, aerobic capacity, hemoglobin, and self-reported function, but less consistent improvements in walking speed. Randomized clinical trials with large cohorts and patient-important outcome measures are needed to determine long-term efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment in improving physical function and reducing physical disability, falls, and fractures in older adults with sarcopenia.

doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2021.11.012PubMed 35216716Interventions