ANDROGEN ADMINISTRATION TO AGING MEN

Normal aging in the male is accompanied by a decline in serum levels of testosterone. Unlike the female menopause, however, this age-related change in serum androgens in men is gradual, there is a great deal of inter-individual variability, and only some men eventually will become hypogonadal. Although these changes in serum androgens in the aging male could be considered normative, this does not necessarily imply that they are without adverse effects or that they lack clinical significance. Androgens have many important physiologic actions, yet little is known about the consequences of the age-related decline in testicular function and how this decline might affect androgen target organs. Furthermore, there are scant data on the effects of androgen supplementation in the aging adult male. The possible physiologic effects of androgens in the aging male are reviewed in this article; and currently available information regarding androgen supplementation in this age group is highlighted.