Age associated endocrine drift refers to the inevitable, gradual, and complex shifts in the secretion, metabolism, and action of various hormones that occur as a natural consequence of advancing chronological age. This physiological process is characterized by a progressive decline in the amplitude and frequency of hormone pulses and an altered responsiveness of peripheral target tissues. Key examples include the somatopause, the decline in growth hormone and IGF-1, and the andropause or menopause-related changes in sex steroids. Understanding this drift is essential for developing proactive strategies to maintain healthspan and functional capacity in later life.
Origin
The term synthesizes the concept of biological aging with the endocrine system, using the word “drift” to describe the slow, continuous movement away from youthful hormonal equilibrium. This concept is a cornerstone of gerontology and longevity medicine, emerging from decades of longitudinal studies tracking hormonal changes across the human lifespan. It provides a descriptive framework for the endocrinological basis of senescence.
Mechanism
The drift is multifaceted, involving changes at the level of the central regulators (hypothalamus and pituitary) and the peripheral glands. Mechanistic changes include a reduction in the pulsatility of releasing hormones, such as GHRH, and increased inhibitory feedback, like somatostatin, leading to decreased hormone output. Furthermore, alterations in receptor density and post-receptor signaling pathways contribute to target tissue resistance, meaning the body’s cells respond less efficiently to the remaining circulating hormone.
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