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Testosterone and Osteoporosis

Topic Overview

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 of osteoporosis.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Carla J. Herman, MD, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine
Last Revised November 10, 2010

Last Revised: November 10, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Carla J. Herman, MD, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine

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