Androgen Maintenance refers to the clinical strategy of sustaining physiological concentrations of androgens, primarily testosterone and its derivatives, within an optimal therapeutic range to preserve vital somatic and cognitive functions. This active management is essential for mitigating the adverse health consequences associated with age-related or pathological androgen deficiency. The goal is to ensure continuous support for musculoskeletal mass, metabolic health, and neurobehavioral well-being.
Origin
This term is rooted in clinical endocrinology, stemming from the established practice of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) where “androgen” denotes the class of steroid hormones and “maintenance” signifies the long-term therapeutic goal of steady-state function. The refinement of this concept reflects a shift from merely treating overt deficiency to proactively sustaining vitality and healthspan.
Mechanism
Maintenance protocols involve regular monitoring of serum total and free testosterone levels, along with critical metabolites like estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, often requiring the administration of exogenous bioidentical hormones. The mechanism focuses on binding to intracellular androgen receptors in target tissues—such as muscle, bone, and brain—to regulate gene transcription and sustain anabolic and neurotrophic signaling, preventing catabolic states and functional decline.
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