The endocrine system is one of the systems least affected by aging.
Effects of Aging on the Endocrine
System
The endocrine system is one of the systems least affected by
aging. The levels of TSH, ADH, PTH, thy-roid hormones, PRL, and glucocorticoids
remain relatively constant throughout life. However, the major exception to
this is the decline in reproductive hor-mone production. Some endocrine tissues
also are not as responsive to stimulation during later life. GH and insulin are
not secreted in nearly the same amounts after eating carbohydrates as they were
earlier in life. The effects of these hormonal changes include reduced bone
density and muscle mass. Peripheral tissues also may become less responsive to
certain hormones such as ADH and glucocorticoids.
In general, hormones are metabolized more slowly due to
aging. The thyroid may become nod-ular and metabolism slows down beginning
around age 20. Though thyroid function tests may still be in the normal range,
thyroid hormone levels may rise, leading to an increased risk of death from
cardiovas-cular disease. PTH levels also rise, contributing to Âosteoporosis.
The average fasting glucose level rises 6–14 mg/dL every 10 years after the age
of 50. Aldoste-rone release decreases with age, contributing to
light-headedness and blood pressure drops with sudden position changes. Men
sometimes have a lower level of testosterone, and postmenopausal women have
sig-nificantly lower levels of estradiol, estrogen, and PRL. In both sexes, the
relatively unchanging levels of cor-tisol results in an imbalance in hormone
levels, which alters immune function.
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