When assessing the function of the endocrine
system in elderly patients, it is important to distinguish
between the effects of aging per se on endocrine
physiology from those caused by diseaserelated
changes. Notably, diagnosis of endocrine
dysfunction in the elderly not always requires
therapeutic intervention . The age-related hypothalamic-
pituitary-gonadal axis insufficiency in
women is well defined and studied, and guidelines
for HRT after menopause are well defined. On the
other hand, the function of GH-IGF-1 system, of
the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and
of zona reticularis decline progressively with age in
most people and age-adjusted ranges of normal
values for serum IGF-1, testosterone and DHEA
concentrations can be defined. However, a routine
replacement therapy with GH, testosterone and
DHEA in the elderly remains a matter of debate
The secretion of other hormones is also influenced by physiological aging