Age-Related Growth Hormone Decline
Lifespan Endocrinology and Energy Deficiency in Sport
Age-Related Growth Hormone Decline
Growth hormone secretion generally decreases with aging, with contributions from body composition, sleep and regulatory changes.
Development changes the reference
Hormonal patterns vary with gestation, childhood, puberty, adulthood and aging. Appropriate interpretation considers developmental stage and physiological context. A value typical of one stage can be inappropriate in another, without implying that higher hormone concentrations are always preferable.
Specific considerations
Physiological aging alone does not establish pathological growth hormone deficiency or an indication for replacement.
Energy and reproductive function
Sustained low energy availability can alter metabolic and reproductive regulation. Symptoms and endocrine findings require assessment of other causes as well. Restoring adequate availability is central when deficiency is contributing, but the recovery time course differs among individuals and tissues.
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