There has been a lot of talk lately about anti-aging. We must begin to see what aging really is and how can we control it? I think as a Molecular Biologist and Doctor I must say that aging is really a collection of damage to molecules, cells, tissues and eventually organs. The maximum life expectancy for humans is 122 years, while the maximum lifespan of a mouse is approximately 3 years. There are many reasons for this, genetic differences between humans and mice, fertility rates, DNA repair efficiency and other "free" rates of free radical production. Antioxidants, including Vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C and E are believed to overcome free radicals and in some ways prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. There are many studies showing the benefits of beta-carotene, folic acid and selenium. These antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables. I consider myself a scientist, and I am cynical about the added benefits of pill.
Regarding the use of hormones, I will highlight the limbs and see evidence that supports their use. When people talk about hormones, they usually mean taking DHEA, Testosterone, Estrogen and maybe Human Growth Hormones. Hormones are the chemicals you need to help keep your vital organs functioning properly, which is naturally declining as we work. It's easy to see why people would believe in restoring their level to the previous level. Unfortunately, life is not that easy. We all know that HRT can revitalize women's skin, vaginal secretions, energy and so on but it can be at risk in older age groups as well. Take a look at the hormone DHEA, which converts the body to estrogen and testosterone. DHEA has long been referred to as anti-aging therapy, which is used to ward off chronic diseases and to maintain energy and spirits. Supporters say it also slows down aging, increases muscle and bone strength, burns fat, improves cognition and retains immunity. However, an October 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Sreekumaran Nair, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, found no evidence that taking DHEA reversed the effects of aging.
DHEA is the most abundant natural hormone in the human body. It is secreted by the adrenal gland and reaches its peak in the early twenties and then decreases with age. Decreases in DHEA levels correlate with many age-related changes, including increases in game, muscle mass, bone density, physical endurance and ability to fight disease. This study has a positive impact on these factors in men and women in the 60s and 70s. I don't mind standing on the limbs on some issues but not this one because I don't really know. I do not expect its use to be regulated by the FDA in the United States. The hormone is widely promoted and used in addition to anti-aging nutrients by people hoping it will restore youth fun or improve longevity. I hope that science does not support its use, although I'm sure there are many who disagree with me on this. The increasing use of testosterone is also one to watch. Menopause men, does it really exist? We have known for years that decreasing testosterone levels has been associated with decreased energy and sex, decreased muscle mass, decreased mental ability and even osteoporosis. We also know that more men are taking testosterone but little is known about the long-term effects of testosterone therapy for this purpose.
Basically, doctors feel uncomfortable about prescribing these hormones due to the lack of scientific evidence to balance whether the decline is unhealthy, especially as there is suspicion of possible risks, including prostate problems. We know that about 20% of men over the age of 60 have testosterone levels below the normal range (testosterone deficiency). The question is, isn't this guy treated? In one sentence I will agree. If the patient feels low energy, reduced strength or cognitive ability, lack of interest or sexual potential, I will definitely check his testosterone levels as well as his thyroid levels, mood and medication. If the testosterone is low, I'll take care of it. In men with testosterone deficiency, testosterone therapy can restore sexual function and protect against heart disease (atherosclerosis). Also, some men who take testosterone therapy report an increase in energy, sex drive, and well-being. In fact, I would not deprive the testosterone patient if he was aware of the potential benefits and risks of the drug. Although potentially beneficial, high doses of testosterone can lead to sleep apnea, infertility and can also cause problems for prostate and breast cancer in men. Perhaps, patients with a family history of prostate or breast cancer should be warned. It can be taken in tablet form but many doctors say testosterone taken with this method can lead to poor cholesterol profile thus increasing the risk of blood clots and heart and liver problems. There are several other types of testosterone therapy. Intramuscular testosterone injection (Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone) is safe and effective. The injection is given approximately every two weeks. Patch containing testosterone (Androderm) is used every night on the back, stomach, upper arm or thigh. The application site rotates to maintain a seven-day interval between applications to the same site to reduce skin reactions. In Ireland, your GP may prescribe a testosterone gel (TestoGel) to apply to the lower abdomen, upper arm or shoulder. I think it also exists in the form of gum.
Many patients have asked me about my attitude toward the growth of Growth Hormone, I think my early memories were prejudiced by my time working as a young doctor at Our Lady Children's Hospital in Dublin in the eighties when news broke that growth The hormone they use has been involved in several cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). This has led to an interest in limbo procedures in our Orthopedic Department. The drug is also used for children with kidney disease, Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and muscle and AIDS-related muscle removes. We know that growth hormones cause growth in childhood and help maintain tissues throughout our lives. We also know that the growth hormone levels in our body begin to decline during middle age. in our 40s. Studies of adults with growth hormone deficiency have shown that growth hormone injections can: increase bone density, increase muscle mass, lower body fat, improve mood and motivation and increase exercise capacity. It's not hard to see why people believe that synthetic growth hormone can help older adults with low natural growth hormone levels to regain some of their youth and vitality. We do not have a lot of clinical data but most studies show that Hormone Growth injection can increase muscle mass and reduce body fat in healthy older adults. It's unclear whether they are getting stronger or mood swings. The study pointed to several side effects, including: swelling of the arms and legs, symptoms such as arthritis, carpal tunnel symptoms, headaches, muscle aches and worse diabetes, arterial stiffness and high blood pressure.
Many patients also ask me whether hormones will restore the life of a teenager. I really didn't like the sound of killing happiness, especially since I was constantly asked to speak at the anti-aging conference and I realized that this part of the medicine was in its early stages. I'm also aware that the new science of nutrigenomics will be more important. Basically, I really like to see the hormone response to stop the aging process but none of these supplements have sufficient medical evidence to support the claims made by anti-aging fans in view of the risks they carry. We all know that post menopausal hormone therapy also carries significant risks, including breast cancer and increased risk of blood clots leading to heart disease and heart attacks. However, unlike other hormones it has been the subject of extensive research and I have established that it forms any age and appreciates its benefits in treating mental smoothness, hot moisture, vaginal dryness and weak skin. The real question of fifty dollars is whether the theory of calorie restriction actually applies to humans. I believe that the theory is based on animal studies, including mice, rats, fish, flies and worms. These studies have found that the lifespan of each species can be extended by reducing the amount of calories consumed. Clinical trials in humans tend to show that people who are overweight are more prone to illness and death. We need to make sure that our calorie-rich diets are rich in fruits and vegetables so that our diet still receives the nutrients they need.
To put it simply, I really think that aging is a much more complex process than it is now. It involves many aspects of tissue function, the most important of which is genetic engineering and it is still not possible that pharmaceutical products can cure many of the problems that can be transmitted. That's not to say, we don't have to keep chasing the youth elixir. I suspect things like weight training in later years can actually increase free oxide radicals and shorten life. Any A&E Officer will notify you of the number of myocardial infections brought from badminton, tennis or golf courses. Others say it's just what people do when they retire. That's not to say that controlled exercise is definitely beneficial for heart disease. The best focus for a long and healthy life is to have the right parents, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, exercise a little every day, do not smoke, use sunscreen and laugh a lot ... guess all the things I didn't do!
Are Anti-Aging Therapies Too Good to Be True?
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