[Partial androgen deficiency in the aging male].

The presence of clinical manifestations of androgen deficiency is a frequent condition in men older than 50 years. Recently, there has been a growing interest to study whether the clinical, endocrine, physical and psychological manifestations in the elderly men are associated to androgen deficiency, as well as if hormonal replacement, in these individuals, contributes to improve the quality of life through its effects upon the mass and muscular strength, bone fractures prevention and on the maintenance of sexual drive. In the present review article it is established that partial androgen deficiency in the aging male represents a controversial clinical condition of multifactorial origin, which is accompanied of several alterations on various endocrine systems. An analysis of its long-term consequences and therapeutical approach are also reviewed.