title: Androgen deficiency in older men.
abstract: Androgen deficiency in older men can be related to age associated changes of neuro-endocrine mechanisms controlling the hormones secreted by the testis and adrenal cortex. We listed the clinical consequences of androgen deficiency at three different levels in three areas: somatic (body composition, glucidic and lipid metabolism, erythropoiesis), sexual and psychological (cognition and affectivity). Observational studies and randomized placebo controlled trials have been reviewed from medical literature. Testosterone, now preferentially administered as transdermal gel, and dehydroepiandrosterone represent two possible treatments. New compounds designed to target androgen receptors in specific tissues are promising options as anabolic agents.
authors.affiliation: Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Via Gramsi 14, 42100 Parma, Italy. giorgiovalenti@libero.it
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Valenti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ceresini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maggio
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000728:Androgens / Q000172:deficiency*; D047649:Andropause; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens