부산대학교 도서관

Attempts to stave off ageing through a search for the fountain of eternal youth date back to biblical stories where the Garden of Eden was said to contain the river of immortality. Ageing is a multifaceted process with physiological, psychological, and societal impact. Life expectancy continues to increase globally. Thus it is relevant for physicians to discern between physiological and pathological hormonal changes associated with ageing. Diagnosing endocrine disorders in older people is challenging because the symptoms of endocrine disease often imitate normal physiological changes with ageing and because of the effect of polypharmacy on hormone levels. This chapter will serve as a guide for the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders in this population.