One of the reasons for the development of cognitive impairment and age-related changes in the immune system is considered to be an increase in the constant level of glucocorticoids – steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex (regulators of carbohydrate, mineral and protein balance). Glucocorticoids increase bone fragility, reduce the number of new bone tissue cells, and increase protein breakdown in muscles, leading to muscle failure. The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis increases significantly with age, so cortisol and ACTH (a hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that affects glucocorticoid synthesis) are used as biomarkers of aging. Elevated cortisol levels are also associated with age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension. Decreased efficiency in responding to stress is due to a drop in adrenaline and noradrenaline levels. In addition, with age, the ability of norepinephrine to affect immune cells while activating pro-inflammatory mechanisms decreases, resulting in a weakened immune system response to external stimuli.

Estradiol and other sex hormones at normal levels contribute to memory and cognitive functions, maintain bone mineral density, have a protective effect on those areas of neurons that are destroyed by glucocorticoids under stress. Skin elasticity and muscle tone are very susceptible to the influence of estrogen, which is why after the onset of menopause in women so dramatically appears a large number of wrinkles, the skin becomes dry and flaky, and the muscular framework weakens, pigmentation appears and vessels become visible. Estrogen deficiency leads to osteoporosis, disturbance of calcium metabolism, bones become brittle, the probability of fractures and their long fusion increases. Testosterone increases hair growth, fat gland function. Baldness, brittle nails – all these are consequences of a decrease in the synthesis of testosterone in the body. After the end of the reproductive period, the activity of the functioning of the entire hormonal axis is weakened, which leads to devastating effects on the nervous, immune and endocrine systems and systemic aging of the body.

Thyroid hormones have been shown to affect overall tone, have antidepressant properties and reduce cholesterol levels. Thyroid activity decreases with age, meaning thyroid hormones can be elements of therapy for the elderly. However, there is debated work that suggests that reduced thyroid function after age 60 may be a factor in longevity. In general, scientists agree that even mild hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function) leads to atherosclerosis, reduces haemoglobin and immunity. But the fact remains that both reduction and hyperproduction of thyroid hormones leads to cardiovascular diseases, especially in the elderly. Understanding the work of the organism, regular monitoring of substances that are biomarkers of aging, diagnosis of well-being and timely correction of indicators by medication and non-medication methods under the control of the attending physician will help to reduce the biological age and timely replenish the resources of the body, to level the effects of aging, to maintain the functions of the body at the most productive level.