http://annals.org/ en-us Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:47:52 GMT Silverchair editor@annals.org webmaster@annals.org http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleID=743601 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Blackman MR. <span class="paragraphSection">Aging is associated with progressive and substantial decreases in growth hormone secretion and in circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) <a href="#r1-10" class="reflinks">(1)</a>. Increasing evidence suggests that these hormonal changes, coupled with estrogen deficiency in menopausal women and reduced total and bioavailable testosterone in men, contribute to age-related decreases in skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), increased total and intra-abdominal fat, loss of bone mass (osteopenia), insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and enhanced risks for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease <a href="#r1-10" class="reflinks">(15)</a>. Taken together, these changes in body composition and function are precursors of musculoskeletal frailty, disability and reduced physical function, falls, bone fractures and subsequent nursing home admissions, and mortality <a href="#r6-10" class="reflinks">(6)</a>.</span> http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleID=743601