[Pituitary disorders in elderly patients].

The increase in life expectancy of about 30 years in the developed countries represents one of the most important achievements of the last hundred years. During aging, normal pituitary activity undergoes significant changes, reflecting the complex relationship between aging and endocrine systems. These alterations are postulated to be causally linked to human aging, possibly contributing to changes in body composition, bone structure, physical performance, cardiovascular system functions, and increased morbidity and mortality. Owing to age-dependent physiological changes in pituitary function, as well as coexistent chronic illness and polypharmacy, interpretation of pituitary function tests in older adults is more difficult than in the younger. As symptoms of pituitary disorders may overlap with what is considered to be ''normal aging,'' the presence of a pituitary disorder in the elderly may often go undiagnosed. Unrecognized and untreated pituitary disorders are associated with adverse outcomes that can be ameliorated or prevented by adequate therapy. This paper summarizes the present state of knowledge on the age-related changes in pituitary function, as well as discusses the etiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and management of pituitary disorders in the elderly.