Single and combined effects of growth hormone and testosterone in healthy older men

The life expectancy of populations in the USA and Western European countries is increasing, but the prevalence of features of ageing, such as physical frailty and disability, increases in parallel, creating the challenge of maintaining good health during this longer life. Many physical features of ageing resemble those seen in men with growth hormone (GH) deficiency and/or organic androgen deficiency. In this article, we briefly review the effects of ageing on GH and testosterone release in males, along with data regarding the single or combined administration of GH and testosterone on outcome variables in ageing men. Although some studies suggest that GH, testosterone, or combination therapy may have utility when administered in elderly males, adequately powered, long-term trials with appropriate endpoints are needed. Until this information becomes available, we believe that GH and/or testosterone supplementation in healthy older adults should be limited to individuals in well-controlled research studies.