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WHILE the role of estrogens in women has received a great deal of scientific attention, the analogous questions regarding the role of androgens in men have received relatively little attention. To date we do not know the frequency or extent to which men become androgen deprived as they age, the consequences for longevity, and the adverse effects of androgen deficiency on the quality of life. This review is designed to focus on the biological actions of androgens and on the consequences of a decline in androgen availability. The secretion and metabolism of androgens to biologically active products will be discussed briefly. We will not emphasize the developmental effects of androgens or elaborate on the molecular mechanism of transcriptional control. We will try to distinguish between physiological and pharmacological effects of the hormones and will attempt to identify the active product responsible for …