Endocrine determinants of successful aging in the male

Frailty is characterized by generalized weakness, impaired mobility;ind bal ance, and poor endurance. Loss of muscle strength is an important factor in the process of frailty, and is the limiting factor for an individual's cha nces of living an independent life until death. In men, several hormonal sy stems show a decline in activity during aging. Serum bioavailable testoster one (T) and estradiol (E-2), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEAS), and growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I co ncentrations all decrease during aging in men. Physical changes during agin g have been considered physiological, but there is evidence that some of th ese changes are related to this decline in hormonal activity. Studies on ho rmone administration in the elderly appear to be promising. However, until now, hormone replacement is not yet proven to beneficial and safe.