Links & Resources

›› Can Hormones Prevent Aging?
›› Why genes & environment are important?
›› How to prevent cancer - the biggest killer?
›› What is effect of prayer on aging?

Can Hormones Prevent Aging?

It is not possible to survive without hormones. Hormones are among the most vital chemical messengers in the body. Starting from head to toe, they signal cells to perform tasks at each moment in life. Their tasks could range from ordinary to the extraordinary. Among their many roles, hormones help to regulate body temperature. They also help control blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. In childhood, hormones play a vital role in our growing up. During the teen years, they are the driving force leading to puberty. The natural decline in some hormones in body has an effect of the aging process in middle and late life. The reason for this occurrence is unclear. Although some proponents are convinced that hormone supplements can alter the aging process in a favorable manner, they have advocated their widespread use.

For more than ten years, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has supported and conducted studies relating to issue like,Can hormones prevent aging? These studies have focused on hormones which are known to decline as humans grow older. These hormones can decline with age.

The results from these studies and other research studies will help us in enhancing our understanding of the pros and cons of hormone supplementation. Till these results of the studies are compiled, analyzed and a consensus is arrived at among scientists, the recommendations to use supplemental hormones molecules which are hormone-like. Their influence on the aging process and health problems related to aging should be viewed with skepticism. For instance, there are not many answers to how much is too much or too little. Questions which need to be answered still are when or whether hormone supplements should be taken at all. Hormones are powerful chemicals. They help in keeping our bodies working normally.

The term hormone is taken from the Greek word, hormo. This means to set in motion. This is exactly what hormones do in the body. Hormones stimulate, regulate, and control the function of various tissues and organs in the body. They are made by some specialized groups of cells which are called as glands. Hormones are involved in almost every biological process. This includes sexual reproduction, growth, metabolism and also immune function. These glands release various hormones into the body as needed.

Some hormones like parathyroid hormone help regulate calcium levels in the blood and bone. They also increase as a normal part of aging. They could also be involved in bone loss leading to osteoporosis. The levels of a number of other hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen decreases over time. In other cases, the body may fail to make enough of a hormone. This could be due to diseases and disorders which can develop at any age. When this occurs, hormone supplements like pills, shots and medicated skin patches are prescribed by the doctors.