Andropause

In the hypogonadal male, reduced libido is often accompanied by diminished well-being and/or depression that may be relieved by androgen replacement [15].Cognitive decline, visceral obesity, osteopenia, and relative sarcopenia also accompany androgen deficiency in aging [16]. These conditions respond favorably to androgen supplementation, especially in men with very low testosterone levels [17].Enhanced physical performance has not been established in this context. Few studies have examined whether testosterone supplementation enhances cognitive function in elderly men [18]. Although it appears that neoplastic transformation of prostate tissue is not elicited by physiologic testosterone repletion, proliferation of existing androgen-responsive carcinomas may be stimulated. Thus, a normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic digital examination should precede any androgen treatment in older individuals.

Skin decreases in elasticity, extensibility, and turgor.Appendages, including hair follicles, apocrine, and eccrine glands, are decreased in number. Pacinian and Meissner’s corpuscles, responsible for pressure and light touch sensation, are similarly decreased. The epidermis may exhibit variable thickness, cell size, and shape with occasional nuclear atypia.