Aging

Question 1

Pituitary gland

Answer 1

reaches its maximum size in middle age and then gradually becomes smaller

Question 2

Thyroid gland

Answer 2

Become lumpy (nodular) =metabolism slows over time, beginning at 20

In some people, thyroid hormone levels may rise leading to an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease

Question 3

Parathyroid glands

Answer 3

parathyroid hormone levels rise with age, which may contribute to osteoporosis

Question 4

Pancreas

Answer 4

avg fasting glucose level rises 6-14 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) every 10 years after age 50 as cells become less sensitive to insulin’s effects

Question 5

Adrenal glands

Answer 5

Aldosterone release decreases with age=light headedness, drop in BP (hypotension)
Cortisol release decreases with age, but blood level of this hormone stays the same
Endogenous steroid levels drop

Question 6

Ovaries and testes

Answer 6

Men often have lower testosterone levels w age

Women have lower levels of estradiol/other estrogen hormones after menopause

Question 7

Estrogen

Answer 7

Reducing estrogen levels = dry eyes, dry skin, and fine lines, skin also becomes thinner because the levels of collagen and elastin also dip along with estrogen
Estrogen also affect muscle mass, metabolism, and energy levels

Question 8

Testosterone

Answer 8

Drop in testosterone levels as men get older = wrinkles, muscle loss, weight gain, thinning hair, affects sleep

Question 9

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

Answer 9

HGH contributes to youthful attributes such as: Young-looking skin, Less body fat, Faster metabolism, Good muscle mass, High energy levels, Sharp thinking