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Estrogens and androgens are hormones that play
critical roles in men's health, regulating not only the reproductive
system, but also having important effects on the muscular, skeletal,
cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In order for the body
to function properly, a balance must exist between estrogens and
androgens.
Although the natural hormones have been used for many years, their use has been limited by undesirable estrogenic and androgenic side effects. GTx is developing toremifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, and Ostarine™, a selective androgen receptor modulator, which confer many of the benefits of estrogen and testosterone while minimizing their unwanted effects.
Estrogens prevent bone loss and osteoporosis and
reduce the risk of skeletal fractures. In aging men, there is a
gradual increase in estrogen levels in the blood, which may promote
BPH, initiate prostate cancer and cause gynecomastia.
Estrogen |
SERM |
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Testosterone is the predominant androgen in men.
It is important for mental well-being and for masculine characteristics,
such as muscle size and strength, bone strength and male pattern
hair growth/loss.
Testosterone |
SARM |
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Testosterone also maintains sexual interest, fertility,
erectile function and normal prostate growth. In aging men, there
is a gradual decrease in testosterone levels, leading to loss of
muscle mass and strength, reduced bone mineralization, resulting
in osteoporosis and bone fractures, erectile dysfunction, decreased
sexual interest, depression and mood changes.
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