Neuroendocrine aspects of aging in women

Recent evidence indicates that age-related neuroendocrine changes occur in women that are independent of those caused by the loss of ovarian feedback accompanying menopause. Studies suggest that both hypothalamic and pituitary changes contribute to the decrease in gonadotropin secretion that occurs with aging. The response to estrogen-negative feedback at the hypothalamus is preserved with aging, whereas the response to estrogen-positive feedback may decrease with aging, although this has not been fully investigated in women. The information to be gained from ongoing studies of the effects of aging on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis will not only provide insights into the process of menopause, but will also contribute to our understanding of general mechanisms underlying the age-related deterioration of other neuroendocrine systems.