Amsterdam, Nov. 18, 2015 - Journal Maturitas today announced the publication of a position statement by the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) covering testosterone replacement therapy in the aging male.
Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) represents a common clinical entity in older men. It is characterized by the presence of symptoms (most usually of a sexual nature, such as decreased libido, decreased spontaneous erections and erectile dysfunction) in combination with low serum testosterone concentrations. Whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should be offered to those individuals is still under extensive debate because of the uncertainties regarding risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. The position statement provides a practical guide to the use of testosterone replacement in older men.
The overall conclusion is that a general policy around offering TRT to all aging men with low testosterone concentrations is not recommended. It is always advisable to encourage older men with LOH to undertake lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, increasing exercise, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake before considering starting TRT. The assessment procedure should include individual evaluation of co-morbidities and careful risk versus benefit estimation; TRT should be very carefully weighed up in testosterone deficient older men with or without pre-existing heart disease, until evidence from large randomized prospective trials regarding cardiovascular safety becomes available.
Older men should be able to discuss testosterone replacement therapy with their health professional so that shared and informed decisions can be made.
These and other recommendations presented in EMAS' position statement are published in the article 'EMAS position statement: Testosterone replacement therapy in the aging male'? (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.11.003) in Maturitas published by Elsevier.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512215000511
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Notes for editors
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About European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS)
EMAS promotes the study of midlife health through its journal, congresses, schools and website and encourages the exchange of research and professional experience between members.Using a range of activities and through its affiliates, EMAS aims to guarantee and provide the same standard of education and information throughout Europe on midlife health in both genders. Recognizing the issues arising from increased longevity the society also provides articles, patient information, web resources, and referrals for healthcare providers in the field and keeps its members up-to-date. For more information go to: http://www.emas-online.org
About Maturitas
Maturitas is an international multidisciplinary peer reviewed scientific journal of midlife health and beyond, publishing original research, reviews, consensus statements and guidelines. The scope encompasses all aspects of postreproductive health in both genders ranging from basic science to health and social care. http://www.maturitas.org/
About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of information solutions that enhance the performance of science, health, and technology professionals, empowering them to make better decisions, deliver better care, and sometimes make groundbreaking discoveries that advance the boundaries of knowledge and human progress. Elsevier provides web-based, digital solutions -- among them ScienceDirect, Scopus, Elsevier Research Intelligence and ClinicalKey -- and publishes more than 2,500 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and more than 33,000 book titles, including a number of iconic reference works. Elsevier is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com
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