During the aging process, not all hormone levels decrease; some actually increase. Which of the following is a hormone that may increase as a person ages?

The aging process affects hormone activity in one of three ways: their secretion can decrease, remain unchanged, or increase.

Hormones that decrease secretion include the following:

• Estrogen (in women)
• Testosterone (in men)
• Growth hormone
• Melatonin

In women, the decline in estrogen levels leads to menopause. In men, testosterone levels usually decrease gradually. Decreased levels of growth hormone may lead to decreased muscle mass and strength. Decreased melatonin levels may play an important role in the loss of normal sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythms) with aging.

Hormones that usually remain unchanged or slightly decrease include the following:

• Cortisol
• Insulin
• Thyroid hormones

Hormones that may increase secretions levels include the following:

Parathyroid hormone

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Norepinephrine
• Epinephrine, in the very old

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.