Adrenopause clinically describes the age-related decline in the production of adrenal androgens, primarily dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form, DHEA-S, by the adrenal cortex. This physiological change is a natural component of human aging, distinctly separate from gonadal senescence like menopause or andropause. Understanding this decline is important because DHEA serves as a precursor for sex hormones in peripheral tissues.
Origin
The term combines ‘adreno,’ referring to the adrenal glands, with ‘pause,’ derived from the Greek word pausis, meaning cessation or ending. This etymology clearly indicates a gradual, age-associated reduction in the functional capacity of the adrenal glands, particularly concerning androgen synthesis.
Mechanism
The decline in DHEA and DHEA-S synthesis is primarily attributed to age-related structural and functional changes within the adrenal gland’s zona reticularis. As the individual ages, the activity of key steroidogenic enzymes within this zone gradually diminishes, leading to reduced precursor hormone output. This systemic reduction affects the overall peripheral androgen pool, potentially influencing vitality, immune function, and bone density.
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