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, 2, 2008, 1

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ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND AGING

V. Kamenova and V. Ivanov
Clinic of Endocrinology, Military Medical Academy Sofia
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Summary: Different changes occur in the endocrine system of the aging individuals. This article comments the hormonal and
metabolic changes that happen in the aging process and their clinical consequences. Lowering of the serum levels of estrogens and
testosterone and elevation of those of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and sex hormone-binding globulin is observed as individuals age. Additionally, there is a decline in serum concentrations of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factorI,
dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulphate-bound form. Despite of these complex changes in the hypothalamopituitaryadrenal/thyroid axis, minimal changes occur in adrenal and thyroid function in aging process. The clinical impact of these changes is different
and includes lowered protein synthesis, body mass, and bone density, insulin resistance, elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases,
vasomotor symptoms, fatigue, depression, anemia, decreased libido, erectile deficiency and diminished function of the immune
system. There are many studies upon each of these hormonal chains assessing the effect of eliminating age-related changes in their
function, but real benefits of such therapy are still being evaluated.
Key words: endocrine system, aging, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestrogens, testosterone, growth
hormone, thyroxine, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, melatonin, prolactin
Address for correspondence: V. Kamenova, MD, Assoc. Prof. V. Ivanov, MD, Clinic of Endocrinology, Military Medical Academy, 3 G. Sofiyski str., Bg 1606, Sofia, tel.: +39529226333, +395225584, e-mail: venzi_bg@yahoo.com

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