Effects Of Aging On The

Endocrine System
Effects Of Aging On The Endocrine System
Levels of most hormones decrease with aging, but some hormones remain at levels typical of
those in younger adults, and some even increase. Even when hormone levels do not decline,
endocrine function generally declines with age because hormone receptors become less sensitive.
Some hormones that decrease include
 Estrogen (in women)
 Testosterone (in men)
 Growth hormone
 Melatonin
 Effects Of Aging On The Endocrine System

Hormones that usually remain unchanged or only slightly decrease include

Cortisol
Insulin
Thyroid hormones

Hormones that may increase include

Follicle-stimulating hormone
Luteinizing hormone
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine, in the very old
Parathyroid hormone