A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Paediatric and adult-onset male hypogonadism




AuthorsAndrea Salonia, Giulia Rastrelli, Geoffrey Hackett, Stephanie B. Seminara, Ilpo T. Huhtaniemi, Rodolfo A. Rey, Wayne J.G. Hellstrom, Mark R. Palmert, Giovanni Corona, Gert R. Dohle, Mohit Khera, Yee-Ming Chan, Mario Maggi

PublisherNATURE PUBLISHING GROUP

Publication year2019

JournalNature Reviews Disease Primers

Journal name in sourceNATURE REVIEWS DISEASE PRIMERS

Journal acronymNAT REV DIS PRIMERS

Article numberARTN 38

Volume5

Number of pages21

ISSN2056-676X

eISSN2056-676X

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0087-y


Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is of relevance in many processes related to the development, maturation and ageing of the male. Through this axis, a cascade of coordinated activities is carried out leading to sustained testicular endocrine function, with gonadal testosterone production, as well as exocrine function, with spermatogenesis. Conditions impairing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during paediatric or pubertal life may result in delayed puberty. Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical condition in the ageing male combining low concentrations of circulating testosterone and specific symptoms associated with impaired hormone production. Testosterone therapy for congenital forms of hypogonadism must be lifelong, whereas testosterone treatment of late-onset hypogonadism remains a matter of debate because of unclear indications for replacement, uncertain efficacy and potential risks. This Primer focuses on a reappraisal of the physiological role of testosterone, with emphasis on the critical interpretation of the hypogonadal conditions throughout the lifespan of the male individual, with the exception of hypogonadal states resulting from congenital disorders of sex development.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 12:23