Testosterone Treatment As a Function-Promoting Therapy in Sarcopenia Associated with Aging and Chronic Disease

Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of muscle strength and physical ability because of aging and/or chronic disease. Supplemental testosterone and other androgenic-anabolic steroids have been investigated as countermeasures to ameliorate the negative consequences of sarcopenia; these trials show dose-related improvements in lean body mass, maximal voluntary strength, stair climbing power, aerobic capacity, hemoglobin, and self-reported function, but less consistent improvements in walking speed. Randomized clinical trials with large cohorts and patient-important outcome measures are needed to determine long-term efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment in improving physical function and reducing physical disability, falls, and fractures in older adults with sarcopenia.