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ACP Guide to Compounding 2: Anti-Ageing Medicine. Order your free copy by calling ACP on 1300 853 620 |
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Overview
Anti-ageing medicine uses advanced technologies and research findings to slow and optimise the human ageing process, with the goal being quality of life into old age. Anti-ageing Medicine aims to prevent the beginning of disease as well as improve existing conditions and reduce long term risks for complications.
We age because our hormones decline. Optimal health and wellbeing for males and females can be maintained by ensuring an adequate and appropriate balance of hormone levels.
More about BHRT, Synthetic & Natural Hormones.
DHEA
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex. This hormone is the precursor for testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. This hormone is found to decline with age so replacing this hormone could be expected to slow age-related changes.
DHEA has also been shown to protect against osteoporosis. When administered topically, as a skin cream, to healthy postmenopausal women, DHEA was also found to cause an increase in bone density (J Endocrinol 1999 Oct;163(1):1-5). Improvement in the physiological well-being of aged-advanced men and women has also been shown (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1995 Sep;80(9):2799).
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced from the amino acid tryptophan by the pineal gland. Very small amounts are also produced in the retina (eye) and gut.
Melatonin is regulates the body's sleeping pattern. As we grow older, the pinal gland calcifies and the secretion of Melatonin declines, causing the sleeplessness so often suffered by the elderly. Controlled-release melatonin replacement therapy effectively improves sleep quality in the elderly (Lancet. 1995 Aug 26;346(8974):541-4).
Melatonin also helps with stress and helps the immune system repair itself. It is helpful for migraine and has been shown to slow down the growth of cancerous cells in certain types of cancer. Its role in anti-ageing is that melatonin is the regulator of other hormones released from the brain and diminised secretation may be responsible for ageing.
Melatonin may also significantly affect physical and psychological disorders such as:
- Delayed Sleep (Jet Lag)
- Stress
- PMS
- Cancer
- Sexual Function
- Immune system
- Ageing
- Cholesterol
Testosterone
Ageing is primarily due to tissue breakdown. Evidence suggests that testosterone can slow tissue breakdown associated with ageing and can help restore the body’s physiologic processes to a more youthful condition. Testosterone promotes the building up of body tissues like muscle and bone, and a lot of research has been done in the role of testosterone in osteoporosis.
Testosterone also improves mental power by enhancing visual and perceptual skills. Low levels can disrupt the body’s blood sugar metabolism, leading to obesity and diabetes. Chronic deficiencies may also promote the early onset of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Research is indicating that testosterone is a vital factor in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (Int J Clin Pract. 2007 Apr;61(4):622-32. Epub 2007 Mar 2). It has also been shown to improve energy levels, bone density, muscle tone, prostate health, moods and vitality.
Thyroid
Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and is essential for maintaining adequate cell functioning and metabolism. It increases fat breakdown, thereby reducing cholesterol levels and body weight.
Replacement of thyroid hormone as people age will: boost energy levels, give a sense of well being, improve concentration, help to control body temperature, regulate metabolism and control body weight.
Estrogens
Estrogens are present in both men and women, but they are significantly higher in women of a reproductive age and they are referred to as the primary female sex hormones. The three major naturally occouring estrogens in women are estrone, estradiol and estriol (E1, E2 and E3).
Estradiol (E2) is the primary estrogen produced by the ovaries before menopause.
Estrone (E1) is formed from estradiol. After menopause estradiol levels drop more than estrone so that now estrone is the predominant estrogen.
Estriol (E3) is produced in large amounts during pregnancy and is a breakdown product of estradiol.
For women, estrogens promote the development of female secondary sex characteristics, including breasts, and are also involved in the thickening of the endometrium and other aspects of regulating the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen is also very important to help in the prevention of oesteoperosis, particulary in menopausal women. It has also been shown to decrease the risk of major coronary events (Ann Intern Med. 2000 Dec 19;133(12):933-41).
In males, estrogen regulates certain functions of the reproductive system important to the maturation of sperm and may be necessary for a healthy libido.
Progesterone
Progesterone is often referred to as the hormone of development or maturation. It is a steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy (supports gestation) and embryogenesis.
The primary source of progesterone in the body is from the corpus luteum. Small amounts are also produced in the adrenal glands.
In women progesterone prepares the uterus for egg implantation, maintains pregnancy, and prevents further ovulation during pregnancy.
Progesterone’s role in anti-ageing for women is that it significantly improves the symptoms of menopause. Progesterone also helps to prevent and treat osteoperosis as it is important in bone metabolism (Med Hypotheses. 1991 Aug;35(4):316-8.).
Progesterone also:
- reduces anxiety and increases sleepiness
- slows the digestive process
- promotes appetite and fat storage (important in pregnancy)
- helps to mature breast tissue and prepare breasts to produce milk
- has a calming effect on the body
- stimulates spermatozoid motility and may be important for male fertility
Males also produce progesterone, but about half the amount from that of females. It is produced in the testes and in the adrenal glands. While the level of progesterone in the male is significantly lower than in the female, some women's progesterone levels fall below that of men of the same age during menopause.
In men progesterone holds the serum level of estradiol low. This minimises the risk of prostate and heart diseases that are facilitated by high levels of estradiol.
Progesterone also reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in men, both in the blood and prostate. This is important because excessive dihydroxytestosterone generates male pattern baldness.
Another common problem for men as they age is high blood pressure. Progesterone keeps aldosterone levels in balance which helps to prevent high blood pressure.
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