Over the last few decades the United States’ views on aging has changed dramatically. Part of the reason for this is because people are now living longer.
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The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports that the average life expectancy for an adult has increased by 6-8 years since it began monitoring these trends in 1970. Human beings in 1970 were expected to live until the age of 70. In 2011 it’s now 76. By the year 2030 it ‘s expected that over 10 million people could live to the age of 85 or older.
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But, while people are living longer, they are not always living better. Reaching old age in good shape is a formidable challenge influenced by a number of physical, physiological, mental and environmental factors.
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Regenx Medical Institute and other governmental bodies such as the NIA above, are constantly investigating new ways to support healthy aging and prevent or delay the onset of diseases, which may adversely affect us as we pass the age of 30.
These include understanding both the risks and benefits of hormone treatment, diet, exercise, antioxidants, neutriceuticals, and other so-called anti-aging tools.
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Customized calorie restrictions and the use of antioxidants may help slow down the aging process by adding them to your daily diet.
However, it’s in the area of Hormone Replacement Therapies, that some of the most critical and advanced steps have been researched and implemented to manage the aging process.
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“We cannot survive without hormones,” said the NIA. They act as chemical messengers helping to balance the human body. Areas such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenals, ovaries and testes release a number of crucial hormones that regulate, stimulate and control numerous biological functions for both men and women.
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Generally, key hormones including Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Testosterone, Estrogen and Progesterone decline rapidly as we pass the age of 30. In certain instances, careful medical administration of these hormones may help offset the affects of aging.
The “fountain of youth” or the “anti-aging miracle” are now common goals for a number of HRT programs across the United States, often attracting negative attention. There is some controversy over the use of HRT to combat aging, with some research indicating negative side affects.
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This controversy is usually directed at programs that are NOT medically supervised by onsite Doctors. Generally, bodies such as the NIA and FDA agree that customized, medically guided Hormone Therapy programs may offer a number of benefits to aging patients. But, the keyword here is “doctor supervised”.
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Too often, hormone-like products sold over the counter without prescriptions — that are not FDA-approved — drive management strategies. You are thus buying an unknown drug, which may have serious consequences to your health.
Conversely, medical doctors attached to HRT clinic will first examine you before administering hormone treatment, such as HGH. This is a safe, scientific and highly rewarding path to managing the aging process.
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Current ongoing research is being accumulated to understand how, for instance, HGH may be used to increase muscle mass. But, careful attention needs to be paid towards the risks, too, including cancer and diabetes.
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Testosterone is another area drawing interest in hormone treatment strategies. It not only helps with sex drive but regulates bone mass, distribution of body fat and can also influence muscle mass and strength. It is an important hormone in the production of sperm and red blood cells. And, it’s important for both men and women, since female bodies also produce small amounts of testosterone.
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For men with low testosterone or “Low T”, customized HRT treatment may be highly beneficial. It can help older men build stronger muscles and bones. It can also boost sex drive and libido.
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Meanwhile, new research indicates that customized Estrogen and related hormone treatments may help women as they age. It can help boost bone strength and may in certain instances assist preventing heart disease.
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“For more than 60 years, millions of women have used drugs containing estrogen to relieve their menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Some women may also be prescribed estrogen drugs to prevent or treat osteoporosis—loss of bone strength—that often happens after menopause,” said the NIA.
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It is worth pointing out that the popularity of HRT treatment in women was undercut by a WHI study in 2002, which indicated that using Estrogen and progestin, may have harmful affects on the body including: Heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer.
However, according to the NIA, since 2007 new counter-research has sparked a renewed interest in HRT programs concluding that younger women, ages 50 to 59 who used estrogen alone, had significantly less calcified plaque in their coronary arteries than women not using estrogen.
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In conclusion, scientific evidence confirms that hormones in men and women drop as we age. This contributes towards the symptoms of aging including lower libido, lower muscle mass and a number of other age-related conditions. The research indicates there are ways to manage the aging process. While the anti-aging miracle may be a mirage, the goal of slowing down the aging process is real and obtainable, for both men and women. Customized hormone replacement therapies can help in this endeavor. Supervised by medical doctors, personalized HRT treatment can help offset the signs of aging and help you lead a balanced, healthy, fun life.