Does hormone treatment for menopause help you stay young?
In the woman Menopausedhormone replacement therapy has undeniable beneficial effects on the comfort of life: reduction of hot flushes, vaginal dryness, emotional ups and downs… Numerous studies show that it also reduces the risk ofosteoporosisand no doubt several other illnesses, such as diabetesor the Alzheimer’s disease. But, since it consists of taking the hormones (mainly 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 proof of its effectiveness and for fear of its consequences. Today, it is once 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. No question, however, of restoring 20-year rates to a 60-year-old person: we would be exposing ourselves to a general runaway. Especially since a little boost can be enough to restart the machine. No self-medication via the Internet, nor association with hormonal treatment of menopause, because that makes too many hormones (cancer risks). In the absence of a specialty with an MA (marketing authorisation), a magistral preparation is available on prescription.
Do omega-3 cures have any interest?
One of the worst excess fatty acids is arachidonic acid. It is an omega-6 that “attacks” the good fatty acids Omega 3. But takingomega-3sAny form of supplement when you have too much omega-6 will wreak havoc on the body. It therefore does not seem advisable to take regular omega-3 cures without dosage and without the advice of a specialist. It is 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…
Is growth hormone of interest?
Some people take it, but at their own risk, as the 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, much less, since then aging cells are stimulated, with the risks of slippage (cancer) that entails. If it can bring comfort to people who are very tired and which lack it (to be checked by a dosage), the 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 antioxidantssuch as lutein and zeaxanthin, in the prevention of AMD (age-related macular degeneration). In the event of early signs of the disease reported by the ophthalmologist, additional cures may be indicated. Otherwise, you can enrich your diet with red fruits and carotenoids rich in these protective elements of eye health. A balanced diet consisting 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 the most. Partly absorbed in food, it is also produced in the body. Taking coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) is recommended when following treatment with statins (anticholesterol). It is also systematically prescribed in some countries. The reason: these drugs reduce its level, which could explain the muscle pain observed in some people. Taking it preventively is of little interest.
Melatonin is all the rage, what do you think?
A key player in our biological clock, it can be useful or even prescribed in certain sleeping troubles. It is now believed to have other properties: useful for the digestive system, stimulating for the immune system, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic… But supplementation is not always indicated. If you have a low level of cortisol (hormone of the adrenal gland), you risk lowering it even more. And it is totally contraindicated in case of lymphoma. Pay attention to the doses: 3 mg is a lot! But no problem in case of punctual intake to fight against the effects of jet lag.
Do we not risk doing too much?
It’s about helping nature when it runs out of steam. Nothing more ! Reasonable anti-aging medicine does not aim to restore us to the hormonal levels of our 20s. It would be dangerous! It is a question of identifying gaps that can explain discomfort, and of filling them in part. Correcting one or two deficiencies is often enough to restart the machine.
The only way to know if you need a supplement? Make a dosage, to confirm a possible deficit.
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Testosterone gels: use with caution! Irritability, sluggish libido, budding “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 risks advancing hormonal cancer (prostate). No question therefore, for gentlemen, to apply the slightest pea of testosterone gel without medical advice and without supervision. It is only available by prescription. |
For further
DHEA would be effective against menopausal disorders
Everything you need to know about hormonal treatments for menopause
