Review Article: Practical Aspects of Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome in Clinical Urology

The 2012 review article addressed Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS) in aging men, noting its prevalence of about 40% in men over 45 and the increase in likelihood with age. TDS is associated with symptoms like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased muscle mass, and is diagnosed by low testosterone levels, with thresholds for diagnosis being below 300 ng/dL in the USA and below 8 nmol/L in Europe. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the primary treatment, with testosterone undecanoate being preferred for its stable serum levels and safety. TRT can improve various health aspects, including libido, mood, muscle strength, and bone density, with best results after 12 months. Clinicians should monitor TRT patients for side effects like BPH and prostate cancer, although low testosterone levels are more commonly associated with prostate cancer development. The review emphasized the importance of recognizing and treating TDS to prevent progressive symptoms and improve patient outcomes.