age-associated changes in the endocrine system

Introduction

The endocrine system undergoes change with aging.

Physiology

• pulsatile secretions are attenuated
  • asynchony between pituitary hormones & target organ hormone secretion, i.e. LH & testosterone
• atrophy of pituitary, thyroid & thymus
  • pituitary changes are minimal
• increased
  • FSH* & LH*, PTH, insulin, leupeptin, vasopressin, erythropoietin, leptin
  • basal & stimulated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
  • basal & stress-induced norepinephrine
• diminished
  • estradiol*, testosterone (total & free), T3, growth hormone, IGF-1, renin, angiotensin-2, DHEA, DHEA-sulfate, pregnenolone, progesterone*, androsterone, androstenedione, estrone*
• unchanged
  • cortisol, aldosterone. epinephrine. thyroxine
• decreased diurnal variation in melatonin secretion by the pineal
• menopause
• impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, increased serum insulin, decreased beta-cell mass, impaired beta-cell function
• diminished production of vitamin D by skin * change in women, variable in men

More general terms

• age-related physiological changes

More specific terms

• age-associated changes in calcium homeostasis

Additional terms

• age-related endocrinopathy
• endocrine disease
• endocrine system