Ageing is a process associated with many hormonal and metabolic changes. As the number of ageing people grows, the health-care and economic needs of this population are also increasing. Therefore, the specific treatment needs of this population require awareness.
Over time, endocrine organs undergo a plethora of changes that ultimately affect hormone levels in the ageing individual. Moreover, endocrine diseases, such as thyroid dysfunction, are common clinical issues that affect an ageing population. Optimal diagnosis and management of these diseases are paramount to improve health care and quality of life of patients and to reduce the economic burden of an ageing population.
The Nature Reviews Endocrinology focus on the ageing endocrine system will include specially commissioned Reviews written by key opinion leaders in research and clinical practice. The Focus issue provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of different endocrine disorders that affect an ageing population, and discusses the risks and benefits of certain treatment options.
NEWS & VIEWS
The ageing endocrine system: Fracture risk after initiation of antihypertensive therapy
Lars Rejnmark
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.20
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 189-190 (2013)
REVIEWS
Thyroid dysfunction in the elderly
Kristien Boelaert
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.30
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 194-204 (2013)
Early diagnosis and treatment of overt thyroid dysfunction are crucial in the elderly given the marked effects of abnormal circulating thyroid hormone concentrations on a number of organ systems. However, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder in the elderly are complicated by the nonspecific clinical presentation and the physiological changes inherent to ageing. This Review describes the current evidence on the prevalence, diagnosis, management and long-term consequences of thyroid dysfunction in the elderly.
Changes in pituitary function with ageing and implications for patient care
Johannes D. Veldhuis
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.38
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 205-215 (2013)
Multiple subtle changes in hypothalamic–pituitary function occur with ageing. This Review discusses the mechanisms mediating these changes in pituitary function during ageing and the implications for patient care. The article also considers how factors such as illnesses and medication use that accompany ageing co-determine and obscure the effects of ageing on pituitary function.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy: risks and benefits
Serge Rozenberg, Jean Vandromme & Caroline Antoine
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.17
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 216-227 (2013)
Postmenopausal hormone therapy (PMHT) is used for the relief of menopausal symptoms; however, the doses used have varied greatly over time. This Review provides an overview of the risks and benefits of PMHT. The authors also suggest how to optimize therapy in different clinical situations.
Oxidative stress and the ageing endocrine system
Giovanni Vitale, Stefano Salvioli & Claudio Franceschi
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.29
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 228-240 (2013)
A progressive decline in cellular function and organismal fitness and an increase in age-related diseases are associated with ageing; many theories have attempted to explain this phenomenon. This Review outlines the current knowledge of the effects of oxidative stress on endocrine organs and tissues and suggests that inflammation is the link between oxidative stress and ageing.
Neurosteroids as regenerative agents in the brain: therapeutic implications
Roberta D. Brinton
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.31
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 241-250 (2013)
The ageing brain retains the capacity for regeneration. This Review highlights the potential of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone as a regenerative therapeutic to promote self-renewal and repair in the brains of ageing individuals and those with Alzheimer disease. Windows of therapeutic opportunity for regeneration, and critical systems- biology factors that will determine the efficacy of regeneration are considered.
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