It is known that the blood levels of certain hormones peak in our teens and twenties, then slowly decline the rest of our lives. Some hormone levels
decline rapidly, as does estrogen during menopause, and some hormone levels decline slowly and steadily, as do human growth hormone, testosterone, DHEA, and
melatonin.
The rapid decline in estrogen suffered by millions of women during menopause, and the ensuing problems brought on by this deficiency (from hot
flashes to heart disease and osteoporosis), caught the attention of the medical community. Today, after many carefully designed studies,
estrogen replacement
therapy is an accepted method of reversing this process that once was considered an
inescapable part of growing old.
This leads to the obvious question -- Will replacement of other important hormones that decline with age have a positive effect? Dr. Cranton, a pioneer in hormone therapy,
says YES! As he explains in his latest book Resetting
The Clock, restoring youthful levels of some hormones (which decline as the body ages), can keep you looking and feeling young longer than you ever thought possible.
The most important chapters have recently been updated and can be read by clicking on the many links below.
The first step is to make an appointment with a qualified physician. The physician should perform a physical examination, take a detailed history, draw blood to
determine hormone levels, and answer any questions you have. Based on this information, the physician should determine whether you are a suitable candidate for HRT
and formulate an individualized HRT plan. HRT plans involve restoring one or more of five different hormones to youthful levels.
These include (Click on each for more information):
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Always known to be vital in childhood, HGH is now recognized as a major player in the repair and upkeep of the adult body and has such startling effects in older people
that it alone may significantly extend longevity and vastly improve quality of life. Studies show that HGH can dramatically reverse the effects of aging;
Patients lose fat and gain muscle without diet or exercise; They heal faster and see a boost in their energy level.
TESTOSTERONE
This male hormone has become some men's secret weapon against aging. Will it go mainstream, as
estrogen has done? We are on the verge of such a breakthrough. Carefully raising levels of this hormone can renew strength and
potency, even in old age.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
This, our chief adrenal hormone, has many mysterious roles and functions in the body. If we now recognize its importance, it is largely because we observe the
extraordinary effects that supplementation with DHEA can produce. Studies show that restoring DHEA to youthful levels increases energy and vigor, boosts the immune
system, and lowers the risk of cancer and heart attacks.
ESTROGEN / PROGESTERONE
The female body does not respond well to the sudden and almost total deprivation of its sex hormones during menopause. After menopause, women who replace their declining
hormones learn how vitalizing and invigorating estrogen and progesterone can be. Contrary to recent sensationalistic and frightening media coverage, a large number of
published studies over the past 20 years show that women who take hormone replacement live longer, with no evidence for a significant increase in death from breast
cancer. Hormone replacement is shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, heart attack, stroke, cancer, cataracts, sexual
functioning, and more. There are many different kinds and combinations of hormones available. Improper replacement can nullify potential
benefits. Choosing a physician with the latest knowledge and experience using bioidentical hormones
is important . Click on the links below for a summary of the published scientific research on this important topic and a more lengthy articles:
MELATONIN
The major product of our brain's pineal gland, melatonin certainly ensures a good night's sleep; However, more importantly, it may control the body's aging clock.
This hormone has received much attention, and is cheap and easy to get. Animal experiments suggest that melatonin. could greatly extend the human life
span.
ADDITIONAL HRT ARTICLES:
HRT IN THE NEWS:
Questions or comments? Click Here
Copyright © 2005
by Eduardo Castro, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
Mount
Rogers Clinic
Trout Dale, Virginia
Phone:
(276)
677-3631
