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The endocrine system and ageing
Author(s) -
Chahal HS,
Drake WM
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.2110
Subject(s) - endocrinology , medicine , endocrine system , hormone , testosterone (patch) , ageing , luteinizing hormone , thyroid , follicle stimulating hormone , endocrine gland , thyroid function
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. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.