Anti-aging hormones include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), human growth hormone (HGH), and melatonin. Estrogen and testosterone are additional anti-aging hormones. All anti-aging hormones are secreted by glands, such as the pituitary gland and the pineal gland. In the first 20 to 30 years of life, these five hormones are plentiful but then start to decline, leading researchers to theorize that there is a connection between aging and these five chemical messengers.
No scientific research has proven that hormone therapy to replace diminished hormones will result in reversed aging or a slow-down in aging. Nevertheless, many pursue artificial supplementation of these anti-aging hormones in hopes of retaining attributes of youth, such as strength, beauty, smooth skin, and a lean body. A revival of sexual stamina is also a youthful characteristic many seek through anti-aging hormones.
DHEA is one of the few anti-aging hormones available in over-the-counter creams and other products. It is recognized in studies for enhancing sleep patterns, particularly for those with age-linked insomnia. Decreased levels of dehydroepiandrosterone are often found in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart disease, according to medical research. Due to such findings, DHEA is believed to be able to treat memory loss, tumors, and cardiac ailments.
Made by the pituitary gland, human growth hormone has been used to treat a range of deficiencies from emaciated muscles to thin, wrinkly skin. Generally only available by prescription, HGH has been prescribed for patients needing to restore neurons in the brain. Replenishing these neurons can fight memory loss and cognition problems associated with getting older. HGH is often delivered through injection, gels, or oral spritz. Tablets are also available.
Weight loss is another benefit of HGH. One reason for this is that the hormone can purportedly boost the metabolic rate so that the body burns off more calories or kilojoules. It can also allegedly restore the tone of muscles and increase the overall amount of muscles in the body. Human growth hormone, according to doctors, also lessens fatty deposits and smooths pockets of cellulite, particularly on the hip and thigh.
Positive changes in mental and psychological well-being are other effects of HGH supplementation. Some doctors claim the hormone can make patients more social. A potentially negative side effect of too much HGH supplementation is high blood pressure.
Secreted by the pineal gland, melatonin is one of the few anti-aging hormones known for its anti-oxidant powers. Studies on rodents have shown that melatonin may stall aging by stagnating the production of certain reproductive hormones. Effects on humans have not been proven.
Testosterone and estrogen are the only anti-aging hormones that are also sex hormones. Estrogen can allegedly lower the risk of developing heart disease. Creams with estrogen have been used on both the skin and the inside of the vagina to relieve the dryness that comes with aging. These areas and a few other membranes have special receptors for estrogen, according to medical studies.
Estrogen has also been prescribed to prevent bone weakness and mitigate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Side effects of estrogen supplementation can include breast and uterine cancer. Some studies suggest using estrogen can also increase the likelihood of stroke and brain impairment.
Testosterone, which is made in the testes of males and the adrenal glands of females, has been used to treat depression, energy loss, and muscle weakness. Many choose testosterone supplements to develop better muscle and have stronger athletic performance or to expediently repair torn tendons and muscle fibers. Some studies credit testosterone for increasing the desire for sex and supporting immunity. Available in gel form, injections, or a skin patch, testosterone supplements can possibly minimize the size of testicles, cause hair loss, and sometimes lead to prostate cancer.