Endocrinal Changes and Management in Aging

Introduction

The endocrine system plays a vital role in the body's normal functioning. The endocrine system produces hormones required for the body's normal functioning. These hormones are produced in some locations, released into the bloodstream, and utilized by the organs and systems. Hormones control the functioning of the targeted system. As we age, changes occur in the level of hormones being produced and how the body system is controlled.

What Is an Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is composed of organs called the glands. These glands are responsible for secreting hormones and chemicals that regulate the body's functions. They carry messages through the blood to the muscles, organs, skin, etc. These hormones command the body what to do and when to perform certain functions.

What Are the Functions of the Endocrine System?

Hormones are responsible for most of the functions of the body, such as,

• Metabolism.

• Sleep.

• Fertility, emotions, and mood.

• Growth and development.

The endocrine system monitors the amount of hormones being secreted into the bloodstream. The pituitary gland senses when the hormonal level rises and instructs other glands to stop the production and secretion of hormones. When the hormone level reduces, the pituitary gland instructs other glands to increase the production of hormones. This is called homeostasis. When the hormone level fluctuates, it results in many health issues, such as weight gain, increased blood pressure, and alteration in behavior, sleep, and mood. Certain factors like stress, illness, medication, and other factors can contribute to hormonal imbalance.

How Do Hormones Function?

Hormones usually act only over a part of the body. The hormones act as a key, and the targeted organs will have locks in their cell wall. The hormones work only if they fit the cell wall. The endocrine system is a well-regulated system that maintains the hormone level and its function at a proper level. This process is called a feedback loop, where other hormones, neurological signals, and proteins regulate the hormone's secretion. The released hormone will extend its effect on the targeted organs. These effects of the hormone on the organ feedback to the original signaling to control further hormone secretion. The pituitary gland monitors this feedback loop.

What Are the Age-Related Changes Associated With the Endocrine System?

As a person ages, changes in the endocrine system are seen, which causes alteration in the secretion, production, or catabolism of hormones. Sometimes, the structure of the pituitary gland changes due to reduced vascularisation and enhanced connective tissue content. Another example is that there will be reduced muscle mass as the production and secretion of growth hormone reduce as a person ages. The adrenal gland, responsible for synthesizing cortisol and aldosterone, produces less of these hormones as a person ages.

Increased age affects glucose metabolism as the blood glucose level increases rapidly and takes longer than usual to return to normal in old-aged people. As there will be a gradual decline in cellular insulin sensitivity in older adults, there will be enhanced glucose intolerance. This is the reason why most older adults have diabetes.

What Are the Hormonal Changes Seen as a Woman Ages?

The most common age-related hormonal change in women is called menopause. This occurs when the woman is around the age of 50 years when the ovaries start to produce reduced amounts of estrogen and progesterone. This condition is compensated by the pituitary gland, which increases the production of FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone). Menopause is a natural process that occurs in every woman, and the symptoms related to this condition can be severe to some or even dangerous. Some common symptoms are

• Hot flashes.

• Vaginal dryness.

• Atrophy causes painful intercourse.

• Insomnia.

• Reduced libido.

• Irritability or depression.

• Osteoporosis.

Usually, doctors prescribe oral estrogen and progesterone to manage these symptoms. But, one complication related to hormone replacement therapy is that people under hormone replacement therapy are at increased risk of stroke, breast cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and blood clots. An alternative for this is that oral estrogen and progesterone can be used for a short period, which can help to manage the transition to menopause. Some common methods used to manage the symptoms are

• Non-hormonal medications can help to manage hot flashes.

• Topical estrogen creams can be used vaginally to help manage painful intercourse.

• Healthy lifestyle changes, such as intake of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and management of stress, can help to manage the symptoms caused by menopause.

What Are the Hormonal Changes Seen as a Man Ages?

This is not a male menopause condition, as it does not occur in every male. About 20 percent of males experience andropause over 60 years of age, and about 30 % to 50 % experience it over 80 years. Andropause is a condition that occurs when there is a severe decline in testosterone production. Some common symptoms are:

• Reduced muscle mass.

• Decrease in overall strength.

• Reduction in bone mineral density.

• Enhanced risk of osteoporosis.

• Reduced libido.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Reduced energy.

• Depression.

• Cognitive impairment.

When the hormonal levels are very low, and there are occurrences of many symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy will be an option. There are also many risk factors associated with hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone can:

• Worsen the exciting prostate cancer.

• It can enhance the risk of cardiovascular conditions.

• Worsens sleep apnea.

• It enhances the production of red blood cells, which can increase the risk of the formation of blood clots.

If the person is being treated with testosterone, they need to be monitored regularly for prostate cancer and check on prostate-specific antigen levels. A healthy lifestyle with proper diet and regular exercise can help fight andropause symptoms.

What Are Common Hormonal Changes Seen in All Genders?

Decline in the thyroid hormone is the most common cause of aging seen in many individuals. The decline in thyroid hormone is seen in almost 30 million Americans of any age. A thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped structure that produces a thyroid hormone responsible for metabolism, muscle strength, and body temperature.

Conclusion

As a person ages, there will be alterations in the body's overall functioning. The endocrine system shows changes as a person ages. The changes in the endocrine system may be displayed as changes in the production and secretion of hormones. A better lifestyle with a proper diet and regular exercise or any physical activity will help the old aged people to manage the symptoms associated with changes in the endocrine system.