Neuroendocrine ageing.

Ageing is followed by an involution of neuroendocrine functions, resulting in a decreased secretion of sex steroids and growth hormone. In addition, cortisol secretion may be inadequately elevated upon stress challenges, due to deficient braking functions by central glucocorticoid receptors. In combination, these endocrine perturbations will probably result in changes in psychological factors such as energy and well-being, altered body composition, and insulin resistance, as well as other risk factors for diseases characteristic of the ageing human, such as cardiovascular disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and stroke. This cluster of phenomena is frequently seen before the period of normal ageing, indicating premature ageing processes. The background factors in these conditions probably include psychosocial stressors, which are perceived differently depending on individual coping abilities. Socio-economic and other environmental factors, such as smoking and alcohol abuse, may well be responsible for the expression of this syndrome of premature ageing. Preventive and therapeutic trials with hormonal substitution therapy to treat these aberrations have been promising, and encourage further studies aimed at elucidating potential risks in relation to potential improvement of quality of life and, perhaps, longevity.