Does menopause hormone therapy help you stay young?
In women Menopaused, hormone replacement therapy has undoubtedly beneficial effects on comfort of life: reduction of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, emotional ups and downs … Numerous studies show that it also reduces the risk ofosteoporosisand probably several other diseases, such as diabetesor the Alzheimer’s disease. But, as it consists of taking the hormones (especially estrogen) involved in many breast cancer, it can promote their growth. And it should of course not be taken by women who have had this type of cancer. Apart from these cases, the decision is personal, after discussion with the gynecologist and verification that the mammogram is normal.
We hear less about DHEA, do doctors still prescribe it?
Considered a hormone of youth twenty years ago, it was then denigrated for lack of evidence of its effectiveness and for fear of its consequences. Today, it is again the subject of numerous studies. More than fifteen thousand in progress are referenced on the main medical research site! DHEA is a precursor of male and female sex hormones linked to the reproductive period. It therefore decreases after menopause, but in a variable manner. Hence the temptation to raise it in the event of very low rates. There is no question, however, of restoring 20-year rates to a 60-year-old: we would be exposing ourselves to a general runaway. Especially since a little help can be enough to restart the machine. No self-medication through the Internet, or association with hormonal treatment for menopause, because that is too many hormones (cancer risk). In the absence of a specialty with a Marketing Authorization (marketing authorization), a magistral preparation can be delivered on prescription.
Are omega-3 cures of interest?
One of the worst fatty acids in excess is arachidonic acid. It is an omega-6 which “attacks” the good fatty acids Omega 3. But takingomega-3sA supplement when you have too much omega-6 will wreak havoc in the body. It therefore does not seem advisable to do regular omega-3 cures without dosage and without having the advice of a specialist. Better to correct your diet to find a correct ratio between omega-3 and 6. Clearly, swallowing a steak and fries every day and taking omega-3 supplements to compensate is not really a good idea …
Growth hormone, is it of interest?
Some people take it, but at their own risk, as studies are inconclusive. As its name suggests, this hormone is a “booster” of cell growth. At 15, you need it to stimulate your young cells. At 50 or 60 years old, much less, since aging cells are then stimulated, with the risk of slippage (cancer) that this entails. If it can bring comfort in people very tired and which lack it (to be checked by a dosage), growth hormone remains an accelerator of aging which it is better to be wary of.
Are eye supplements recommended?
Studies have shown the effectiveness of some antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, in the prevention of AMD (age-related macular degeneration). In case of early signs of the disease reported by the ophthalmologist, supplement cures may be indicated. Otherwise, we can enrich our diet with red fruits and carotenoids rich in these protective elements for eye health. A balanced diet of fruits and vegetables seems to provide sufficient lutein intake.
What is coenzyme Q10?
It is a substance somewhat similar to a vitamin. Vital for the production of energy in the body, it somehow makes the cells breathe. The heart, lungs and liver are the organs that need it most. Partly absorbed from food, it is also produced in the body. Taking coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) is recommended when taking treatment with statins (anti-cholesterol). It is also prescribed systematically in some countries. The reason: These drugs lower its level, which could explain the muscle pain seen in some people. Taking it as a preventive measure has little interest.
Melatonin is all the rage, what to think about it?
A key player in our biological clock, it can be useful, even prescribed in some sleeping troubles. Today it is believed to have other properties: useful for the digestive system, stimulating the immune system, anticancer, antidiabetic … But supplementation is not always indicated. If you have a low level of cortisol (hormone of the adrenal gland), you could lower it even more. And it is totally contraindicated in cases of lymphoma. Be careful with the doses: 3 mg is a lot! But no problem in the event of a one-off shot to combat the effects of jet lag.
Do we not risk doing too much?
It’s about helping nature when it is running out of steam. Nothing more ! Reasonable anti-aging medicine is not about giving us back the hormonal levels of our 20s. It would be dangerous! It is a matter of identifying gaps that may explain discomfort, and partially filling them. Correcting one or two deficiencies is often enough to get things going again.
The only way to know if you need a supplement? Take a test to confirm a possible deficit.
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Testosterone gels: use with caution! Irritability, low libido, nascent “brioche” … are often linked to a drop in testosterone. With age, men also experience a decrease in sex hormones, but less than in women, more progressive and very variable. As with them, supplementation may advance hormonal cancer (prostate). No question therefore, for men, to apply the slightest pea of testosterone gel without medical advice and without supervision. It is also only available on prescription. |
For further
DHEA would be effective against menopause disorders
All about hormonal treatments for menopause
