The multiple actions of testosterone in men: nature knows best

• 来源期刊: 亚洲男性学杂志（英文版）
• 年，卷（期）: 2014,（2）
• 页码范围: 266-267
• 页数: 2页
• 语种: 英文
• DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.122367

摘要

In male hormone replacement therapy Finkelstein et al.show that testosterone rather than synthetic "pure" androgens should be prescribed.Testosterone is converted to the superactive androgen dihydrotestosterone and to estradiol,and thus has actions via androgen receptors and both estrogen receptors (ERα,ERβ).Although muscle strength is androgen dependent,estradiol has major physiologic effects in men-on bone,cartilage,and together with androgens,on sexual functioning.Neither dihydrotestosterone nor 'pure' synthetic androgens can be converted to estradiol;those so treated thus risk missing out on the beneficial (and necessary) effects of estrogens in men. In a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine,Finkelstein et al.1 published a paper entitled "Gonadal steroids and body composition,strength,and sexual function in men".That their findings were of wide general interest was shown by the number of media reports and commentaries,over the week following the initial publication.In the same issue of the journal,David Handlssman,the noted andrologist,published an accompanying editorial,entitled "Mechanism of action of testosterone-unravelling a Gordian knot"2.