FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE SOMATOPAUSE AND ITS TREATMENT

The decline in the function of the growth hormone-releasing hormone, g rowth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (GHRH-GH-IGF) axis has been termed the somatopause. Many of the catabolic sequelae seen in normal aging has been attributed to this decrease in circulating GH and IGF-I . in order to provide hormone replacement therapy for the somatopause, elderly subjects have been treated with GH, IGF-I, or both hormones t ogether. Whereas numerous beneficial effects on body composition, stre ngth, and quality of life have been reported in some studies, other st udies have reported only marginal functional improvements. Moreover, i t is clear that both hormones can cause significant morbidity.