Table 1.

Summary of the Main Findings of Randomized Controlled Trials of Testosterone in Healthy Older Adults and in Older Adults with Chronic Diseases

1. Sexual function

Testosterone treatment significantly improves overall sexual activity of all types, sexual desire, and to a lesser extent erectile function in older men with low libido.

Testosterone does not improve sexual function in men with normal testosterone levels who do not have sexual symptoms.

2. Body composition, muscle performance, and physical function

Testosterone treatment increases whole-body and appendicular lean body mass, maximal muscle strength in the chest-press and leg-press exercises, and stair-climbing power and attenuates the age-related decline in aerobic capacity.

Testosterone improves self-reported measures of function and mobility.

Testosterone increases the mass of pelvic floor muscle in men and women.

3. Bone health

Testosterone treatment increases areal and volumetric bone mineral density, and estimated bone strength in older men with hypogonadism.

4. Anemia

Testosterone increases hemoglobin and corrects unexplained anemia of aging.

5. Depressive symptoms

Testosterone treatment is associate with modest improvement in depressive symptoms.