[Bone and androgens]

Abstract

Sexual steroids are major determinants of skeletal maturation and steady state. Estrogens are mandatory in both sexes. They induce endochondral bone formation and growth plate knitting. Androgens are mainly active in male. They increase length and radial bone growth. These differences explain the duality of biomechanics in both sexes. Deep androgen deficiency induces rapid bone loss and increases bone fracture risk. The androgen treatment of andropause has weak rationale. Androgens interact with bone metabolism within the medulla-bone unit. They activate the whole osteoblastic lineage and interact with preosteoclastic regulation. Androgens found their place in bone metabolism regulation through RANK/osteoprotegerin and Wnt/sclerostin pathways.