[Symptoms or complaints in the aging male--which questionnaires are available?]

Age associated hypoandrogenism and related changes in sexual function, as well as multiple physical complaints, and affective and cognitive changes have all been described in the aging male. In addition to decreased testosterone levels, clinical symptoms are required in order to perform substitution therapy. The assessment of symptoms and complaints in the aging male is discussed based on scientific test criteria. Commonly used questionnaires have the advantages of economy and independence from the investigator. In order to cover the broad range of age associated changes, numerous standardized and reliable procedures are available. However, these have usually not been developed specifically in order to assess androgen dependent changes. Preliminary, specific "aging male" questionnaires do not correlate reliably with the levels of testosterone. Thus there is a need for research and development in order to identify and assess androgen dependent complaints.