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Endocrine System Aging

Meaning

Endocrine system aging describes the complex, multifaceted process characterized by a progressive, measurable decline in the structural integrity and functional capacity of the endocrine glands and their central regulatory axes over an individual’s lifespan. This physiological decline is marked by altered hormone production rates, reduced sensitivity of target tissue receptors, and a compromise in the essential pulsatile secretion patterns of key regulatory hormones. Clinical manifestations include somatopause, adrenopause, and gonadal senescence, collectively contributing to the metabolic and functional changes associated with aging. Understanding this systemic degradation is fundamental to the clinical practice of longevity and preventative medicine.