Hormone Therapy: Aging-Related Hormone Replacement Therapy and Supplementation
1Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 4494 Palmer Rd N, Bethesda, MD 20814.
FP Essentials
|August 21, 2023
Summary
Growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and melatonin are explored as antiaging treatments. While showing short-term benefits, high-quality evidence is lacking for their efficacy and safety in healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Antiaging Research
Background:
- Aging is associated with declining endocrine function, including reduced production of growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and melatonin.
- This physiologic decline may contribute to frailty, presenting symptoms similar to pathological conditions.
- Hormone replacement therapy is established for diseases but its role in healthy aging is uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of GH, DHEA, and melatonin as antiaging interventions.
- To review the current evidence regarding their role in mitigating age-related decline.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hormone replacement therapy for aging.
- Analysis of studies examining the effects of GH, DHEA, and melatonin on age-related changes.
Main Results:
- Off-label use has demonstrated short-term benefits: improved body composition, mood, cognition, sexual function, and reduced oxidative stress.
- No current recommendations exist for routine hormone level measurement or replacement therapy in healthy aging due to insufficient high-quality evidence.
Conclusions:
- Long-term studies are essential to determine the efficacy and safety of GH, DHEA, and melatonin for antiaging purposes.
- Further research is needed before these hormones can be recommended for healthy aging interventions.
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