Possible role of gonadotropin excess in age-related diseases - return to the old hypothesis in the light of current data

Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2020 Sep;41(3):118-122.

Abstract

The paper presents the evaluation of a hypothesis assuming that the elevated levels of gonadotropins which occur physiologically in older persons are involved by their direct extra-gonadal action in the pathogenesis of age-related disorders. The data on the possibilities of the direct action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and their possible deleterious effects in the brain, bone, cardiovascular system and cancer in older persons are reviewed. A proposal of a new approach to the hormonal prevention treatment of age-related disorders (suppression of gonadotropins by means of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs) is discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Disease / etiology*
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / metabolism
  • Gonadotropins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / metabolism
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / etiology
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Osteoporosis / etiology

Substances

  • Gonadotropins
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone