Serum LH concentrations in hypogonadal men during transdermal testosterone replacement through scrotal skin: further evidence that ageing enhances testosterone negative feedback

Abstract

These data provide further evidence that the set point for androgen negative feedback control of gonadotrophin accretion in men is altered by ageing. Taken together with previous findings, these results provide a potential explanation for the unchanged or slightly increased plasma LH levels and reduced testosterone production characteristic of elderly men. Accordingly, ageing-associated Leydig cell insufficiency leads to a decline in testosterone production, but circulating LH levels do not rise appropriately because the set-point for negative feedback is decreased.