Age-Related Hormone Shifts clinically describes the inevitable, progressive alterations in the production, secretion, metabolism, and action of endogenous hormones that occur as an individual advances through their lifespan. These systemic changes are a core component of the aging process, impacting endocrine function across multiple axes. Common examples include the decline in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, estrogen, and growth hormone secretion. Understanding these shifts is crucial for managing age-related physiological changes and maintaining wellness.
Origin
The concept arises from longitudinal endocrinology studies documenting the predictable decline or dysregulation of hormonal signaling with chronological age. It synthesizes observations from gerontology and clinical practice concerning the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes over time. The term itself is a clinical descriptor for the physiological reality of senescence within the endocrine system.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves a complex interplay of reduced glandular capacity, altered feedback loops, and decreased receptor sensitivity at the cellular level. For instance, the somatopause involves reduced pulsatile growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) from the hypothalamus, leading to lower growth hormone (GH) and subsequent insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production from the liver. This hormonal decline subsequently contributes to changes in body composition, bone density, and metabolic function.
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