Anabolic and Metabolic Effects of Testosterone and Other Androgens: Direct Effects and Role of Testosterone Metabolic Products
January 2017
in “
Endocrinology
”
testosterone androgens testosterone metabolic products bone mineral density erythropoiesis body composition testosterone supplementation hepcidin red blood cell production androgen deprivation therapy metabolic health diabetes cardiovascular disease bone density red blood cells testosterone therapy heart disease
TLDR Testosterone and its metabolites have varied effects on different body systems, especially during puberty.
The document reviewed the anabolic and metabolic effects of testosterone and other androgens, focusing on their direct effects and the role of testosterone metabolic products. It highlighted various studies demonstrating that testosterone and its derivatives significantly influenced bone mineral density, erythropoiesis, and body composition in men. For instance, testosterone supplementation increased bone mineral density in older men with low serum testosterone, and it also suppressed hepcidin, potentially leading to increased red blood cell production. Additionally, the document discussed the differential effects of androgens and estrogens on bone turnover and the implications of androgen deprivation therapy on metabolic health, such as increased risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.