Levels of most hormones decrease with aging, but some hormones remain at levels typical of those in younger adults.
The endocrine system consists of a group of glands and organs that regulate and control various body functions by producing and secreting hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that affect the activity of another part of the body. In essence, hormones serve as messengers, controlling and coordinating activities throughout the body.
Even when hormone levels do not decline, endocrine function generally declines with age because hormone receptors become less sensitive.
Some hormones that decrease include:
- 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 only slightly decrease include:
- cortisol;
- insulin;
- thyroid hormones.
Hormones that may increase include:
- follicle-stimulating hormone;
- luteinizing hormone;
- norepinephrine;
- epinephrine, in the very old;
- parathyroid hormone.
Estrogen Therapy for Anti-Aging in Women
HRT for women remains the most effective solution for the relief of menopausal symptoms and is also effective for the prevention of osteoporosis. It may in certain age groups provide protection against heart disease.
The balance of benefit to harm always needs to be assessed but appears to have shifted favorably for HRT. Users can be reassured provided:
- HRT is taken for the correct reasons, i.e. to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. It has a role in the prevention of osteoporosis but long-term use is often required.
- The dose and duration of HRT use should be made on an individual basis after discussing the risks and benefits. No arbitrary limit should be set on the duration of use.
- HRT users are assessed by their GP at least once a year.
The physiology of endocrine systems with aging
If women start HRT around the time of menopause the risk is very small and there appear to be cardiovascular and bone protective benefits. It is not usually appropriate for women over 60 to be starting HRT but as the WHI study shows, women initiating it over 60 years do not seem to be at increased risk of cardiovascular events or mortality.
Testosterone Therapy for Anti-Aging in Men
Millions of American men use a prescription testosterone injection or gel as forms of testosterone replacement therapy (often referred to as TRT therapy) to restore normal levels of the manly hormone. A loophole in FDA regulations allows pharmaceutical marketers to urge men to talk to their doctors if they have certain “possible signs” that mean they could need low T treatment.
Doctors can determine if you have male hypogonadism through physical exams and blood tests. If your doctor detects low testosterone they may perform additional tests to determine the cause.
Treatment typically includes testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the form of:
- injections;
- patches;
- gels.
TRT reportedly helps to:
- boost energy levels;
- increase muscle mass;
- restore sexual function;
- improved sense of well-being;
- reduced body fat;
- increased bone density.
The goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to restore blood testosterone to normal levels.
You can learn more additional options on anti-aging treatment in our clinic, so get in touch to learn more for free.