[Role of androgen in the elderly. Clinical androgen replacement therapy for late-onset hypogonadism].

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is defined as the condition caused by the decline of testosterone by aging, along with various symptoms, including physical, psychological and sexual disturbance. Thus the principle of treatment for LOH is Androgen replacement therapy (ART) , and ART has been applied primarily in order to alleviate the various symptoms in LOH patients. The indication of ART for LOH is determined based on LOH symptoms assessed by aging males' symptoms (AMS) score and serum free testosterone levels. In abroad, several routes are available for the administration of testosterone, such as injection, patch, oral administration, etc. In Japan, intramuscular injection of testosterone enanthate every 2 to 4 weeks is widely indicated for treatment of LOH. It has also reported that ART using testosterone ointment once or twice a day appeared to improve those LOH symptoms. ART is a significant and safe procedure for anti-aging in male.