[Prevention and anti-aging in endocrinology]

Abstract

The aging process is associated with a characteristic decline in the levels of certain hormones. In both sexes, growth hormones, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate compound DHEAS reach their maximum levels in the third decade of life, and then decline progressively. In addition, a constant decrease in the production of biologically active free testosterone of approximately 1% per year is observed in men. The abrupt cessation of sex hormone production seen in women is not observed in men. Irrespective of the hormone being supplemented, it should always be remembered that not merely the hormone-producing organ, but also the target tissue has aged, and may thus manifest a different reaction to the substituted hormone than youthful tissue.