Androgens’ Effects Across the Lifespan in Men and Animal Models
April 2021
in “
IntechOpen eBooks
”
TLDR Androgens, male hormones, affect physical and mental functions, with a decrease leading to health issues like muscle loss, bone disease, and depression, and more research is needed on long-term effects and treatments.
The document "Androgens’ Effects across the Lifespan in Men and Animal Models" explores the impact of androgens, hormones that influence male traits and reproductive activity, throughout the lifespan in men and animal models. The study uses Post-finasteride Syndrome as a clinical example to investigate the long-term effects of androgen manipulations, independent of existing androgen levels. The research indicates that androgens significantly affect physiological and psychological functions, with a decline in androgens leading to adverse effects such as reduced muscle mass, osteoporosis, and increased risk of prostate pathologies, as well as psychological effects like memory impairments, reduced libido, and increased risk for depression. The document also discusses the role of androgen-based therapies, the effects of androgen decline, and the potential risks associated with treatments. It concludes by proposing further research into the long-term effects of changing androgen levels and novel cellular targets for these effects.