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Endocrine Glandular Aging

Meaning

Endocrine Glandular Aging describes the progressive, intrinsic deterioration of the structure and functional capacity of the hormone-producing glands, including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and gonads, that occurs over an individual’s lifespan. This decline is characterized by cellular senescence, reduced glandular volume, and a diminished responsiveness to upstream regulatory signals, which collectively leads to the characteristic age-related decrease in circulating hormone levels. The cumulative effect of this aging process is a systemic reduction in hormonal output and a subsequent compromise of homeostatic balance throughout the body. Clinically, this process is the physiological basis for conditions like andropause, menopause, and somatopause.