The endocrine system and ageing

Abstract

Complex changes occur within the endocrine system of ageing individuals. This article explores the changes that occur in the metabolism and production of various hormones and discusses the resulting clinical consequences. As individuals age there is a decline in the peripheral levels of oestrogen and testosterone, with an increase in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and sex hormone-binding globulin. Additionally there is a decline in serum concentrations of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I and dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulphate-bound form. Even though there are complex changes within the hypothalmo-pituitary-adrenal/thyroid axis, there is minimal change in adrenal and thyroid function with ageing. The clinical significance of these deficiencies with age are variable and include reduced protein synthesis, decrease in lean body mass and bone mass, increased fat mass, insulin resistance, higher cardiovascular disease risk, increase in vasomotor symptoms, fatigue, depression, anaemia, poor libido, erectile deficiency and a decline in immune function. For each endocrine system, studies have been carried out in an attempt to reverse the effects of ageing by altering the serum hormonal levels of older individuals. However, the real benefits of hormonal treatment in older individuals are still being evaluated.

DHEA, DHEA-S and cortisol responses to acute exercise in older adults in relation to exercise training status and sex

“…DHEA/S has been proposed to affect various systems of the body and to be anti-ageing (Chahal and Drake 2007). It has been established that DHEA/S is immune enhancing, where cortisol, also produced by the adrenal cortex, is immunosuppressive if chronically elevated (Buford and Willoughby 2005).…”

Melatonin Receptor (Mt1 and Mt2) Proteins Expression in Thyroid Gland and Level of Thyroxin (T4), Thyrotropin (Tsh) Hormone During Progression of Age in Male Swiss Albino Mice

“…Along with many physiological systems, endocrine system also exhibit changes with development of aging. Aging alters the secretion of somatotropin, IGF-I, dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone 37 and also influenced on the function of pituitary and thyroid gland 38 . In this study we observed decreased in serum T 4 concentration in aged mice whereas, serum TSH concentration remained unchanged.…”

Pengehadan Kalori, Fungsi Kognitif dan Penuaan: Peranan terhadap Sistem Biologi

“…Proses penuaan turut memberi perubahan terhadap penghasilan dan metabolisma pelbagai jenis hormon di dalam tubuh yang akhirnya berpotensi menyebabkan kesan klinikal (Chahal & Drake 2007). Proses penuaan turut mengganggu hampir semua hormon pituitari.…”