The Hormone Foundation’s Patient Guide to Testosterone Therapy in Adult Men with Androgen Deficiency Syndromes

Why were the guidelines written? This patient guide is based on clinical guidelines written to help physicians who are evaluating and treating men with androgen deficiency (AD) syndromes. The clinical guidelines, first published in 2006, were updated in 2010. This patient guide incorporates the latest recommendations. A clinical syndrome is a group of symptoms (health changes noted by the patient) and signs (abnormalities noticed by the physician). AD syndromes are due to a lack of the main male sex hormone, testosterone. This guide summarizes information about the best way to diagnose AD, how physicians will care for patients who have AD, and the potential benefits and risks of testosterone therapy. It also provides information for patients with AD to help them improve results of their treatment. These guidelines do not apply to people who want to take testosterone to improve their strength, athletic performance, or physical appearance, or to prevent aging. Using testosterone for these purposes is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may be harmful to your health.