About 20% of men 60-80 years of age have testosterone levels that are below the normal range. Symptoms of testosterone deficiency may include:
- weakness
- fatigue
- reduced libido
- osteoporosis
- depressed mood
- loss of energy
- erectile dysfunction
- aches and pains
This condition is commonly referred to as "Andropause".
A man may be considered hypogonadal at any age if total testosterone is less than 200 ng/dl, or bioavailable testosterone is less than 60 ng/dl. Basaria and Dobs of Johns Hopkins University recommend that elderly men with symptoms of hypogonadism and a total testosterone level < 300 ng/dl should be started on hormone replacement.