Androgen deficiency in the aging man.
BACKGROUND
Androgen deficiency in the aging man is an area of considerable debate because a gradual decline in testosterone may simply be part of the normal aging process. However, there is an alternative view that androgen deficiency in the aging man may constitute a valid and underdiagnosed disorder.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss the aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of androgen deficiency in the aging man.


CONCLUSIONS
Late onset hypogonadism has clinical features that overlap with both normal aging and some pathological conditions. It can only be diagnosed on the basis of both suggestive clinical features and clear biochemical evidence of testosterone deficiency. In this group of patients medication may play a role.
Arianayagam
Ranjan
R
Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales. rari6999@uni.sydney.edu.au
Arianayagam
Mohan
M
McGrath
Shaun
S
Rashid
Prem
P
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency*; D001315:Australia; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000728:Androgens