With aging comes wisdom, confidence and security, but it also comes with fine lines and wrinkles. Finding the fountain of youth may not be possible, but there may be a little secret to anti-aging— hormones. Hormones are crucial messengers in the body responsible for many bodily functions, including energy levels, sexual libido, fertility, and cognition. They also improve skin elasticity, help build muscles, and age-related conditions.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones replace or mimic the missing hormones in your body. According to Harvard Medical School, hormone therapy is an effective way to treat low hormone levels.
Using bioidentical hormones became controversial in 2002. A landmark study by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) indicated that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy might increase breast cancer, blood clots and heart disease. Later these findings were shown to have been misleading and convoluted for publicity. Natural hormone therapy uses hormones derived from yams and other natural sources. When applied, your body can't tell the difference between the ones produced in the body and bioidentical ones.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced in the testes and pituitary gland. The hormone helps build muscle, bone density, helps regulate mood and sexual desire. Low levels may result in erectile dysfunction. Undergoing testosterone hormone therapy may help you feel younger and stronger by providing the necessary chemical balance.
Estrogen
Another essential sex hormone is estrogen. Estrogen is produced in the ovaries and pituitary gland. It's responsible for many functions but primarily associated with regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility, and sustaining pregnancies. When levels become low, women experience dry skin, hot flashes, mood swings, and low libido. Estrogen bioidentical therapy helps improve these symptoms, helping women to look and feel younger.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Low levels of progesterone may result in short or missing periods and the inability to sustain a pregnancy. Hormone replacement therapy with progesterone helps improve fertility, balances the menstrual cycle and sometimes used in conjunction with estrogen hormone therapy.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland. It helps produce other hormones like estrogen and testosterone. DHEA cream is thought to have anti-aging capabilities because some evidence suggests it improves overall sense of well being, slows the aging process, and enhances cognitive abilities.
Growth hormone (GH)
Human growth hormone or GH is a natural hormone released in the body and naturally declines as one ages. Research shows that GH may slow age-related conditions, improve muscle mass and strength, and improve hair thickness. Men and women who undergo HGH therapy report higher energy levels, less depression and stronger sex drive.
Hormone Levels naturally decrease as men and women age, but bioidentical hormones help you look and feel younger. Hormone therapy with estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone cream may make you feel years younger. Speak to your doctor about the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy.
