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The endocrinology of aging
S W Lamberts1, A W van den Beld, A J van der Lely
1Department of Medicine, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. lamberts@inw3.azr.nl
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 23, 1997
Summary
Aging leads to decreased muscle strength and frailty, impacting independence. Declining hormone levels, including estrogen, testosterone, and growth hormone, are linked to these age-related physical changes, though hormone replacement therapy remains controversial.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Aging is associated with increased mortality from atherosclerosis, cancer, and dementia.
- In the oldest individuals, frailty due to loss of muscle strength is a primary factor limiting independent living.
- Several key hormonal systems exhibit declining circulating concentrations with normal aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between age-related hormonal decline and physical changes.
- To review the potential role of hormonal systems in aging and frailty.
- To discuss the controversies and safety of hormone replacement strategies in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on aging, hormonal changes, and frailty.
- Analysis of the three major hormonal systems affected by aging: sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I (GH/IGF-I) axis.
- Examination of evidence linking hormonal decline to age-related physical changes.
Main Results:
- Identified three key hormonal systems with decreasing concentrations during aging: estrogen/testosterone, DHEA/DHEA-S, and GH/IGF-I.
- Highlighted that some age-related physical changes may be linked to this decline in hormonal activity.
- Noted that hormone replacement strategies are controversial and not uniformly proven safe or beneficial.
Conclusions:
- Declining hormone levels in aging, including sex hormones, DHEA, and GH/IGF-I, are associated with physical changes and frailty.
- Hormone replacement therapy in aging individuals requires careful consideration due to unresolved safety and efficacy concerns.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of hormones in aging and the risks/benefits of interventions.