Testosterone : Action - Deficiency - Substitution

New developments in testosterone therapy are summarized here by internationally renowned experts. They review both basic and clinical knowledge in fourteen chapters. The book begins with the biochemistry of testosterone, its biosynthesis, metabolism and mechanisms of action in target organs. Three chapters deal with specific aspects of testosterone action, namely its role in spermatogenesis, its psychotropic effects and its effects on bones. Syndromes caused by androgen resistance are described in order to highlight the importance of properly functioning enzymes and receptors in the target organs. Causes and symptoms of male hypogonadism, the major indication for testosterone treatment, are described. Five chapters are devoted to the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and clinical uses and abuses of testosterone preparations. The new transdermal testosterone application is described in detail. Side effects of testosterone treatment are reviewed. The possible role of androgens in the development of prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma is discussed extensively since this question is of major concern to the clinician. Front Matter....Pages I-XI Testosterone: an overview of biosynthesis, transport, metabolism and action....Pages 1-22 The role of testosterone in spermatogenesis....Pages 23-50 Psychotropic effects of testosterone....Pages 51-71 Syndromes caused by androgen resistance....Pages 72-91 Pharmacology and clinical uses of testosterone....Pages 92-114 Comparative pharmacokinetics of androgen preparations: Application of computer analysis and simulation....Pages 115-135 Pharmacology of testosterone pellet implants....Pages 136-154 Percutaneous dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment....Pages 155-164 Transdermal testosterone replacement through genital skin....Pages 165-181 Safety aspects of androgen therapy....Pages 182-203 Effects of androgens on bone metabolism....Pages 204-218 Androgens and human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)....Pages 219-244 Androgens and carcinoma of the prostate....Pages 245-260 Androgens and male senescence....Pages 261-276 Back Matter....Pages 277-285