The first edition of "Testosterone: Action, Deficiency, Substitu tion" was published in 1990. Since then our understanding of the hormone that turns males into men has tremendously increased. Therefore, the editors felt that a second extended edition of the book is warranted in order to summarize established and recent findings in the field and to present the reader with an up-to-date is reflected by the textbook. The increased mass of knowledge growth of the volume from 14 to 20 chapters. In the updated edition the biochemistry and metabolism of androgens have been complemented by extensive information on the molecular biology of the androgen receptor and its disorders. The key role of testosterone in spermatogenesis is now better de fined. We have a more complete understanding of the psychotro pic effects of testosterone and know so much about the different target organs and functions that individual chapters deal with testosterone and the prostate, lipids and the cardiovascular sys tem, hair, bones and muscles. The general chapter on pharmacol ogy and clinical uses of testosterone, in particular in male hypo gonadism, is extended by pharmacokinetic studies on testoster one preparations and individual substitution modalities using testosterone esters as well as implants and advanced trans dermal applications. The physiologic basis and possible clinical applica tions of testosterone in non-gonadal diseases, in male senes cence, in hormonal male contraception and in transsexuals are discussed. The last chapter describes the role of "investigative" steroid biochemistry applied to tracking anabolic steroid abuse."

The decade that has passed since publication of the second edition of this textbook has not only witnessed a tremendous increase in knowledge within the ? eld of and- logy, but also seen the ? eld itself achieve a newfound status within the medical p- fession. Knowledge and status have been of mutual bene? t to the ? eld and the growing critical mass of diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities have caused andrology to be recognized as a medical subspecialty in some countries such as Germany, Poland, and Estonia. The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) served as a pacemaker for this development and continues to strive for establishment of andrology as a clinical ? eld. Well-designed curricula and qualifying examinations have contributed to the of? cial recognition of andrology as a speciality. This recognition of the ? eld helps patients with andrological problems to ? nd the specialist they seek. This textbook summarizes the current state of knowledge in the ? eld of andrology. It is a source of knowledge to all those who are or want to become andrologists. In addition, as andrology is clearly an interdisciplinary ? eld, this book may serve as a compendium and source of reference for all those physicians and biologists active in neighboring areas, who want to obtain an overview of andrology and who require information on special problems. The extensive references are timely and up to date.