[Role of androgen in the elderly. Problems of androgen deprivation therapy]

Androgen deprivation therapy has been considered as one of useful treatment options for prostate cancer. However, it presents several symptoms of "castration syndrome" as side effects, based on low serum testosterone concentration. The symptoms includes loss of libido and sexual interest, erectile dysfunction, general fatigue, decreased intellectual ability, depression, loss of muscle strength, increased abdominal fat mass, and loss of vigor. They are almost similar to the representative symptoms of late onset hypogonadism. Furthermore, side effects such as increased risk of fracture and metabolic syndrome caused by androgen deprivation therapy should be taken care, even though subjective complaints do not appear.