Health

Is the decline in the GH IGF 1 axis associated with age related changes in body composition and function? Many of the body composition changes and differences in physical and psychological function that occur with aging seem consistent with a GH-IGF-1–deficient state. Indeed, the decrease in GH observed with aging (though milder) is associated with …

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Changes in the growth hormone (GH)–IGF-1 axis with aging Aging is associated with a significant decline in the GH area under the curve, as well as the number and amplitude of night-time GH peaks. These changes in GH secretion (approximately 15% decline for every decade after age 30 years) are also associated with a steady …

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Controlled studies of DHEA administration in older adults In recent randomized, placebo-controlled trials of 1 to 2 years’ duration, DHEA replacement alone in older men and postmenopausal women did not result in significant changes in fat or muscle mass, lipid profiles, glucose levels, mood, or cognitive performance. Studies of DHEA combined with an exercise stimulus …

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What are the hormonal effects of DHEA supplementation? In the United States, DHEA is considered a dietary supplement, and therefore, it is not an FDA-regulated drug. Hence, over-the-counter products vary greatly in the amounts of bioactive hormone they contain (if any) and may have quite different pharmacokinetic profiles. Even lot-to-lot variability within a brand can …

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What are the biologic effects of DHEA? The actions of DHEA are thought to be mediated primarily through conversion to androgens and/or estrogens, and thus it may function as a large storage pool of prehormone. DHEA is the precursor for 30% to 50% of androgens in older men and > 70% of androgens in older …

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How does the serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration change with aging? DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in humans, with approximately 95% coming from the adrenal glands. DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) is the predominate circulating form of DHEA and is thought to be one of the best biological markers of human aging. Peak serum DHEAS levels …

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Should estrogen therapy be given to postmenopausal women? This has been an area of controversy since the completion of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trials almost 15 years ago. Similar to debates about testosterone supplementation, there is ongoing controversy regarding criteria for who should be treated (e.g., age, years menopausal, symptomatic), by what formulation (e.g., …

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