[Testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism: a view from the 21st century].

The prevalence of symptomatic post-pubertal hypogonadism in men aged 40-79 is 2.1-5.7% and increases with age.

• Prevalence range is reported as 2.1-5.7% in men aged 40-79 years
• Prevalence increases with advancing age within this population
• The condition is described as 'symptomatic post-pubertal hypogonadism'

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) aims to restore testosterone levels in blood plasma to normal physiological averages.

• The primary therapeutic goal is normalization of plasma testosterone to physiological levels
• Positive clinical effects include improved sexual function, reduced symptoms of depression, and improved mood
• TRT also normalizes muscle-fat ratio of body composition and bone mineral density
• The paper describes 'numerous positive clinical effects' associated with restored testosterone levels

Existing recommendations from various testosterone therapy manuals did not allow formation of an unambiguous opinion on the safety of long-term testosterone replacement therapy.

• Multiple testosterone therapy manuals were reviewed
• No consensus on long-term safety could be established from existing guidelines
• The paper specifically examines effectiveness on main symptoms of post-pubertal hypogonadism
• Analysis covers effects on concomitant somatic pathology, safety, and dosage form selection

The paper analyzed the effect of TRT on concomitant somatic pathology and the reasonable choice of dosage form of testosterone preparations.

• The main purpose included analyzing effectiveness of TRT in treating main symptoms of post-pubertal hypogonadism
• The review addressed TRT's effect on accompanying somatic conditions
• Safety assessment was a primary objective of the analysis
• Reasonable selection of dosage form of testosterone preparations was evaluated