Aging changes in hormone production

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Female reproductive anatomy

Menopause

(Page 2)

Insulin is produced by the pancreas. A molecule of insulin fits into a place on the cell wall called an insulin receptor site. It acts like a lock and key to help sugar (glucose) go from the blood to the inside of cells, where it can be used for energy.

The average fasting glucose level rises 6 to 14 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) for each 10 years after age 50. This is because the cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin, probably because of a loss in the number of insulin receptor sites in the cell wall.

The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. The adrenal cortex, the surface layer, produces the hormones aldosterone and cortisol.

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• Aldosterone regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Cortisol is the "stress response" hormone. It affects the breakdown of glucose, protein, and fat, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects.

Aldosterone secretion decreases with age, which can contribute to light-headedness and a drop in blood pressure with sudden position changes (orthostatic hypotension). Cortisol secretion decreases with aging, but the blood level stays about the same. Dehydroepiandrosterone levels also drop, although the effects of this drop on the body are not clear.

The ovaries and testes have two functions. They produce the reproductive cells (ova and sperm). They also produce the sex hormones that control secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts and facial hair.

• With aging, men sometimes experience a slightly decreased level of testosterone.
• Women have decreased levels of estradiol and other estrogen hormones after menopause.

EFFECT OF CHANGES

Overall, some hormones are decreased, some unchanged, and some increased with age. Hormones that are usually decreased include:

• Aldosterone
• Calcitonin
• Growth hormone
• Renin

In women, estrogen and prolactin levels usually decrease significantly.

Hormones that remain unchanged or only slightly decreased include:

• Cortisol
• Epinephrine
• Insulin
• Thyroid hormones T3 and T4

Testosterone levels usually decrease slightly as men age.

Hormones that may increase include:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Norepinephrine
• Parathyroid hormone

RELATED TOPICS

• Aging changes in immunity
• Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
• Aging changes in the female reproductive system
• Aging changes in the male reproductive system
• Menopause

Review Date: 08/15/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).