Aging, Physical Activity, and Hormones in Women—A Review

Abstract

Women experience significant changes in endocrine function during aging. Decreasing levels of anabolic hormones may be associated with musculoskeletal atrophy and decrease in function that is observed in older women and, as a result, there has been an increase in the use of pharmacological hormone therapies. It is difficult to distinguish, however, between physiological changes that are truly age related and those that are associated with lifestyle factors such as physical activity participation. Some research has shown that circulating levels of anabolic hormones such as DHEA(S) and IGF-I in older women are related to physical activity, muscle function, and aerobic power. Exerciseintervention studies have generally shown that increasing age blunts the acute hormonal response to exercise, although this might be explained by a lower exercise intensity in older women. There have been relatively few studies that examine hormonal adaptations to exercise training. Physical activity might have an effect on hormone action as a result of changes in protein carriers and receptors, and future research needs to clarify the effect of age and exercise on these other components of the endocrine system. The value and safety of hormone supplements must be examined, especially when used in combination with an exercise program. Key Words: exercise, fitness, hormone-replacement therapyThere is a decline in physical well-being with advancing age, which includes an increase in body fat, loss of muscle mass and bone density, and a decrease in strength and functional capacity. This decline in well-being coincides with significant changes in the endocrine system, and it has been recognized that many of the symptoms associated with aging are similar to those observed in young adults with hormone deficiencies. For example, growth-hormone deficiency in young adults and adolescents results in an increase in body fat and decrease in muscle mass (Hulthen et al., 2001). There are three main hormone systems that show significant changes with age: the gonadal hormones (menopause and andropause); the main

To exercise, or, not to exercise, during menopause and beyond

“…During the transition, a number of signs and symptoms may occur, including, vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, palpitations), psychological symptoms (mood changes, depression, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances), cognitive symptoms memory problems, concentration) and, atrophic effects (atrophic vaginitis, bladder irritability) [1][2][3][4]. Women also report symptoms including night sweats, headaches, fatigue, decreased libido, severe itchiness, and back and muscle pains [5].…”

“…Women also report symptoms including night sweats, headaches, fatigue, decreased libido, severe itchiness, and back and muscle pains [5]. Such symptoms can significantly disrupt a woman's daily activities and overall quality of life [1][2][3][4]. Further, during menopause and aging, with changing hormone levels, women are at an increased change of chronic conditions such as, cancer, type-2 diabetes, autoimmunity, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.…”

Effect of Brisk Walking in 1 or 2 Daily Bouts and Moderate Resistance Training on Lower-Extremity Muscle Strength, Balance, and Walking Performance in Women Who Recently Went Through Menopause: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

“…2 Some reports show the complexity of interaction among physical activity, health, fitness, and hormones. 3 However, the exact dose-response relationship of exercise and fitness in early postmenopause (ie, after menopausal changes in hormonal balance) is not clear. Decreasing levels of anabolic hormones, for example, may be associated with musculoskeletal atrophy; however, physical activity itself might have an effect on hormone action as a result of changes in protein carriers and receptors.…”

“…Decreasing levels of anabolic hormones, for example, may be associated with musculoskeletal atrophy; however, physical activity itself might have an effect on hormone action as a result of changes in protein carriers and receptors. 3 The response to exercise might differ between women with natural postmenopausal hormone levels and women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).…”

IGF-I; IGF-binding protein-3 and breast cancer risk

“…There are several complex relationships between the IGF system and other risk factors for breast cancer such as oestrogens and hormonal replacement therapy [5], diet and energy intake [6,7], excess body weight [8,9] and physical activity [10], but these are dealt with elsewhere as referenced. The IGF physiology and biological mechanisms relevant to cancer development will be summarized, but thorough dissertations of these areas are beyond the scope of this review.…”