Adrenal androgens regulation and adrenopause.

Adrenal androgens (AA) are mainly produced by the human adrenal cortex. ACTH is the major regulator of their secretion. However, other factors, such as gonadal sex steroids, insulin, growth hormone, prolactin, hypothalamic peptides and growth factors have been involved in AA regulation. More recently, it has become well accepted that, besides systemic factors, AA secretion is under the control of the "sympathoadrenal system" and "immunoadrenal system". Here we review the extraadrenal and intraadrenal mechanisms of AA regulation and how they may relate to endocrinoimmunosenescence.