Main description:

Research on testosterone is increasing in many senses; however there is still much controversy regarding its physiology and clinical use. This book addresses these topics, providing a broad over view about testosterone, from its basic fea tures to the most recent evidence of clin ical applicability. Also, specific conditions in which testosterone play a pivotal role are discussed in detail, such as hypogonadism, misuse and abuse, puberty, cardiovascular effects and testosterone therapy. Although not essential for survival, testosterone represents the essence of male biological function, being the important testicular androgen in men. Low serum testosterone levels are asso ciated with cardiovascular morbidity, meta bolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and mortality. Conversely, increased serum levels of testosterone may lead to deleteri ous events. In general, there is increasing evidence that serum testosterone is a major biomarker status of men's health in general.

Testosterone: From Basic to Clinical Aspects is an indispensable reference for all those who seek state-of-the-art knowledge regarding this hormone, from basic issues (including pharma cology and physiology) through clinical aspects (related diseases and supplementation ther apy).

Contents:

1. The history of testosterone: from antiquity to modern times.- 2. Testosterone: molecules and receptors.- 3. Physiology of male gonadotropic axis and disorders of sex development.- 4. Utility and limitations in measuring testosterone.- 5. Male puberty delayed and early.- 6. Hypogonadotropic and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.- 7. Functional hypogonadism: diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome and testosterone.- 8. Male hypogonadism and aging.- 9. Male hypogonadism and traumatic brain injury.- 10. Male hypogonadism and fertility.- 11. Testosterone therapy: oral androgens.- 12. testosterone therapy: transdermal androgens.- 13. Testosterone therapy: injectables androgens.- 14. Benefits and adverse events of testosterone therapy.- 15. Testosterone and sexual function.- 16. Testosterone and prostate.- 17. Testosterone and cardiovascular effects.- 18. Testosterone and women.- 19. Testosterone and endocrine disruptors 20. Misuse and abuse of androgens.