REVIEW ARTICLE: Endocrinological aspects of aging: Adaptation to and acceleration of aging by the endocrine system

Endocrinological functions of aging subjects deviate from those of young subjects during the aging process. There are two types of deviation expressed as: (i) an adaptation to the aging process; and (ii) an acceleration of aging. The former includes hyperparathyroidism, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. The latter includes growth hormone resistance and low-T3 syndrome. Excess adaptation promotes the metabolic syndrome. Excess acceleration of aging easily leads subjects to mental disorder and death. In order to prevent subjects from both excess adaptation to and excess acceleration of aging, endocrinological intervention is required. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]