Controversial endocrine interventions for the aged

Leow MKS, Loh KC
Correspondence: Dr Melvin K S Leow, mleowsj@massmed.org

ABSTRACT
Specific endocrine changes occur with the ageing process. The last decade has witnessed significant progress in the basic and clinical science of ageing, thereby rejuvenating the interest in anti-ageing medicine, especially that of hormone replacement, by medical professionals and the lay public. However, endocrine manipulation as a therapeutic strategy for ageing is still evolving as continuing research attempts to answer the many questions of what it can achieve at the risk of incurring unknown long-term adverse effects. The current day doctor is confronted with a host of options, and will benefit from a synopsis of the latest evidence before making the most appropriate decision for aged patients seeking hormonal replacement therapy as a means to counter the effects of ageing. This review aims to give a rapid overview of the endocrine profile of geriatric population and the studies on the more controversial hormonal replacement therapies for the aged.

Keywords: ageing, androgens, growth hormone, hormone replacement, melatonin
Singapore Med J 2006; 47(7): 569-579