The progressive, quantifiable reduction in circulating levels of critical anabolic and regulatory hormones, such as testosterone, DHEA, and growth hormone, observed across the lifespan. This descent is a key physiological hallmark of aging, distinct from acute pathology. Understanding this trend is fundamental to assessing an individual’s endocrine reserve. We observe changes in both total and free fractions of these vital messengers. This pattern often correlates with shifts in body composition and energy status.
Origin
This descriptive term synthesizes observations from longitudinal endocrinology studies charting the natural decline of gonadal and adrenal hormone output post-puberty. The root ‘descent’ accurately portrays the unidirectional, gradual nature of this process over many years. It is a concept rooted in the established understanding of the aging endocrine system’s reduced capacity for robust synthesis and pulsatile release. The framework helps clinicians contextualize individual hormone levels against age-matched norms.
Mechanism
The mechanism underlying this descent involves multiple factors, including diminished signal transduction from the hypothalamus and pituitary to the gonads or adrenals, a process known as hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis attenuation. Furthermore, changes in steroidogenesis within the primary glands contribute to lower output. Increased peripheral aromatization or SHBG binding can also reduce the biologically available fraction of hormones. Cellular resistance to hormonal action further compounds the functional decline associated with lower circulating titers.
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