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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, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH
- Internal Medicine
Last Updated December 1, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 01, 2006
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