The clinical manifestation of age-related physiological deterioration occurring significantly earlier than expected, based on established population norms or chronological age. This premature decline is often characterized by suboptimal hormonal profiles, including a disproportionate drop in key anabolic hormones, and a measurable reduction in systemic resilience. Identifying this condition requires a comprehensive assessment of biological versus chronological age markers.
Origin
This phrase arises from the observation in clinical practice that many individuals experience a premature reduction in vitality and function, a state that is not simply normal aging. It is a key diagnostic concept in preventative medicine, suggesting that the root cause lies in accelerated biological aging or unaddressed chronic stressors. The ‘early onset’ aspect underscores the urgency for proactive, restorative intervention.
Mechanism
The decline is typically driven by an accumulation of cellular damage, often involving telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased cellular senescence, exacerbated by chronic inflammation. Hormonally, it frequently involves the early attenuation of the somatotropic axis (GH/IGF-1) and the gonadal axis, leading to premature sarcopenia, visceral fat accumulation, and diminished cognitive reserve. Corrective action targets these fundamental cellular and endocrine deficits.
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