Testosterone and osteoporosis

Testosterone is one of the hormones needed for sexual development. Although testosterone is present in both men and women, it is considered a male sex hormone (androgen) and is produced in much higher amounts in men than in women. Testosterone helps a person's body maintain strong, healthy bones.

Testosterone levels slowly decline after age 45 to 50. A decline in testosterone at any age increases a man's risk for osteoporosis.



Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated: December 1, 2006
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine

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