The Relationship between Serum Total Testosterone and Clinical Symptoms of Late-onset Hypogonadism in Aging Males

Park, Hyun Jun; Park, Bu Kyung; Kim, Jung Man; Park, Nam Cheol

Abstract

PURPOSE: Late-onset hypogonadism(LOH) in the aging male is a clinical and biochemical syndrome characterized by a decline in levels of serum testosterone, and results in various physical and mental disabilities. We aim to evaluate the relationship between serum testostosterone levels and symtpoms of LOH.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
As part of an andropause screening program, we examined ADAM questionnaires, IIEF-5 scores, and total serum testosterone levels among healthy volunteers aged over 40 years.
RESULTS
The mean age of the 409 men was 59.8 years(range 40~89), and the mean serum testosterone level was 471.5+/-180.2 ng/dl. The serum testosterone level decreased significantly in correlation with age. There was a 92.5% positive response on the ADAM questionnaire. Among patients whose serum testosterone was less than 350 ng/dl, the ADAM questionnaire was positive in 23.7%(n=97). The mean serum testosterone level for men with a positive or negative ADAM questionnaire was 469.2+/-181.8 or 489.2+/-170.5 ng/dl, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (p=xxx). There was also no significant correlation between IIEF-5 scores and serum testosterone levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Among men over 40 years of age, 23.7% met the clinical and biochemical diagnostic criteria for late-onset hypogonadism, and there was no relationship between serum testosterone levels and symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism.