Aging affects the endocrine system, leading to:
- Decreased hormone production and regulation
- Changes in thyroid function, insulin sensitivity, and cortisol levels
- Menopause and andropause can impact hormone balance
- Increased risk of conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis
- Lifestyle modifi...
Aging affects the endocrine system, leading to:
- Decreased hormone production and regulation
- Changes in thyroid function, insulin sensitivity, and cortisol levels
- Menopause and andropause can impact hormone balance
- Increased risk of conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis
- Lifestyle modifications and hormone therapy may help manage age-related changes.
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Added: Nov 01, 2025
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ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND AGEING (GROUP 5)
Objectives By the end of the lesson you will be able to; Describe the structure and functions of the endocrine system. Describe changes in hormone production and regulation with ageing. Discuss the effects of endocrine changes on the body with ageing
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM The Endocrine system consists of glands widely separated from each other with no physical connection. They produce and regulate hormones in the body. These hormones control various bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes.
Functions Endocrine System Regulates Metabolism: Controls how the body uses food for energy through hormones like thyroid hormone and insulin. Maintains Homeostasis (Balance): Keeps internal conditions stable such as blood sugar, fluid, and electrolyte balance — despite changes in the environment. Controls Growth and Development: Growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and sex hormones influence body growth and tissue repair. Regulates Reproductive Processes: Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone control sexual development and reproduction.
Functions Endocrine System 5. Manages the Stress Response: Adrenal hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) help the body respond to stress, illness, and injury. 6. Regulates Mood and Cognitive Function: Hormones influence emotional stability, memory, and mental alertness — areas that can be affected in older adults..
Structure And Functions Of The Endocrine System 1. PITUITARY GLAND Growth Hormone (GH): Regulates growth and development Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Regulates reproductive processes (ovulation and sperm production) Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Regulates ovulation and testosterone production Prolactin : Regulates la ctation and breast development
Structure And Functions Of The Endocrine System 2. THYROID GLAND Triiodothyronine (T3): Regulates metabolism and energy production Thyroxine (T4): Regulates metabolism and energy production Calcitonin: Regulates calcium levels in the blood 3. ADRENAL GLANDS Cortisol : Regulates stress response, metabolism, and electrolyte balance Aldosterone: Regulates electrolyte balance and blood pressure Epinephrine (Adrenaline): Regulates stress response and fight-or-flight response
Structure And Functions Of The Endocrine System 4. PANCREAS Insulin : Regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake in cells Glucagon : Regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating glucose release from stored glycogen 5. OVARIES (IN FEMALES) Oestrogen : Regulates menstrual cycle, fertility, and female secondary sex characteristics Progesterone : Regulates menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation
Structure And Functions Of The Endocrine System 6. TESTES (IN MALES) Testosterone: Regulates sperm production, male secondary sex characteristics, and libido. 7. HYPOTHALAMUS Regulates bodily functions like temperature, hunger and thirst, hormone balance, sleep-wake patterns.
Changes Associated with Ageing in the Endocrine System As the body ages, changes occur that affect the endocrine system, sometimes altering the production, secretion, and catabolism of hormones. Some changes are; There is decreased production of Growth Hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland which contributes to decreased muscle mass, bone density, and energy levels. There is decreased production of T3 and T4 (hypothyroidism) or altered regulation which is characterized by fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and decreased metabolism Altered regulation cortisol regulation can lead to changes in metabolism, sleep, and stress response
Changes cont’d Decreased production of Aldosterone can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration Decreased insulin sensitivity and sometimes decreased insulin production can lead to Glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain Decreased production of oestrogen (menopause) in females can cause hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and increased risk of osteoporosis Decreased production Testosterone (andropause) in males leads to low libido, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and increased risk of osteoporosis
Nursing Care Plan NURSING DIGNOSIS OBJECTIVE / OUTCOME CRITERIA NURSING ORDERS Imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements related to decreased metabolic rate and reduced physical activity Patient’s nutritional status will be balanced within 7 days as evidenced by; patient verbalizing understanding of healthy diet choices to support metabolism and hormone function. patient recording a stable BMI within the normal range. Assess dietary habits and daily calorie intake. Encourage regular, moderate physical activity suitable for the patient’s condition. Educate on balanced, low-fat, high-fiber diet. Monitor weight and body mass index (BMI) regularly. Collaborate with a dietitian for individualized meal planning.
Nursing Care Plan NURSING DIGNOSIS OBJECTIVE / OUTCOME CRITERIA NURSING ORDERS Risk for unstable blood glucose level related to decreased insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function Patient’s blood glucose level will be maintained within the normal range throughout admission as evidenced by; patient demonstrating proper self care skills including diet control and medication adherence. patient recording a normal blood glucose level Monitor blood glucose levels regularly. Observe for signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Encourage small, frequent, balanced meals. Educate patient on adherence to diabetic medications if prescribed. Promote exercise to improve glucose utilization.
Nursing Care Plan NURSING DIGNOSIS OBJECTIVE / OUTCOME CRITERIA NURSING ORDERS Fatigue related to decreased thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism) Patient’s energy and activity tolerance will improve as evidenced by; patient verbalizing increased energy levels and ability to perform daily activities. patient demonstrating effective rest and activity tolerance. Assess energy level and daily activity tolerance. Encourage rest periods between activities. Administer thyroid replacement medications as prescribed. Educate patient on the importance of medication adherence. Monitor for changes in mood
MSD Manuals: Effects of Aging on the Endocrine System by William F. Young, Jr., MD, MSc, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, reviewed/revised in February 2023. Frontiers: Aging under endocrine hormone regulation, Yutong Xing et al., Front. Endocrinol., 02 August 2023, DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1223529. MedlinePlus: Aging changes in hormone production, Review Date 7/15/2024. Endocrinology & Metabolism International Journal: Endocrine changes with aging, Sabrina Sawlani et al., 2016, DOI: 10.15406/emij.2016.03.00065. References
THANK YOU
GROUP MEMBERS Adzinyo Erica Affum Emmanuella Opoku Agbemabiese Portia Agbi Pascaline Fafali Ahorsu Kingsley Aklikah Sarah Dzidzor Amegah Mawuena Amekuedzi Gracelove Akpedze Arko Gladys Brese Mawuena Gifty
GROUP MEMBERS 11. Buernokie Erica Akuteye 12. Ditonne Erica 13. Dzirasah Clara Zanetor 14. Gray Vivian Zoe 15. Hededzi Charlotte Esenam 16. Hudey Stella Kekeli 17. Normenyo Mary Aku 18. Pomaa Yvonne 19. Teye Belinda 20. Tetteh Margaret 21. Okpenor Freda Ladjeh