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Hormonal changes in male subjects over-ninety
G Ravaglia1, P Forti, F Maioli
1Istituto di Patologia Speciale Medica, Università di Bologna.
Summary
Aging significantly impacts the male endocrine system, particularly the testicular-hypophyseal axis. Very old men (over ninety) show decreased testosterone and its metabolites, with rising gonadotropins, indicating profound age-related hormonal changes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The physiology of aging, especially in very old individuals, remains incompletely understood.
- Age-related factors complicate the interpretation of endocrine system modifications during senescence.
- Specific changes in the gonad-hypophyseal function with extreme aging require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of advanced age on the gonad-hypophyseal function in males.
- To compare hormonal profiles in men over ninety years old with younger age groups.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, estrogens, dehydrotestosterone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin, and hypophyseal gonadotropins were measured.
- A cohort of 26 males over ninety years old was compared to a control group aged 27–88, stratified by age.
Main Results:
- Total testosterone levels remained stable until the ninth decade, then decreased in men over ninety.
- Free testosterone and its metabolites (estrogens, dehydrotestosterone) declined more gradually starting around the fourth decade, with further reduction in the over-ninety group.
- Sex-hormone-binding-globulin increased with age, while hypophyseal gonadotropins were stable until the ninth decade, followed by a significant abrupt increase.
Conclusions:
- The testicular-hypophyseal axis exhibits marked alterations in very old age.
- These changes have significant repercussions on circulating sex steroid patterns in aging males.
- Further research is needed to understand the full implications of these age-related endocrine shifts.