Provided you have made the right lifestyle, dietary and nutrient adjustments, and outside of the genetic changes which happen with age, the gradual decline of the hormone systems of the body determine the rate at which we age more than any other factor.  Perhaps the two most important tools we have to slow the aging process are the antioxidant and hormone replacement therapies.  Endogenous antioxidants are those which are made by the cells of the body.  Exogenous antioxidants are those which are taken with food or as nutritional supplements.

Why do we need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood stream.  The amount of hormones the endocrine glands secrete informs the various organs if they need to speed up or slow down, make more of this or less of that.  Blood circulates throughout the body in sixty seconds, therefore, it takes one minute for a hormone to reach any other part of the body.

The Endocrine Glands

Pituitary  -  Thyroid   -  Adrenals  -  Parathyroid   -  Pancreas  -  Thymus  -    Ovaries / Testes

The Pituitary is the master gland and serves to regulate the other glands.  It produces Human Growth Hormone and   a variety of hormones which tell the other endocrine glands to speed up, or work harder.  As we age the endocrine glands decrease their function which results in a decrease in circulating hormones.  Aging cells become more resistant to the effects of hormones.

The hormone secretions of the endocrine glands not only effect the health and well being of the rest of the body, but they are also dependent upon each other to maintain health.  That is:

When the Thyroid gland slows down the basal metabolic rate slows down, this in turn slows down the functions of all other endocrine glands.  When the Parathyroids age they can no longer hold calcium metabolism within the boundaries for maximum health.

                        A weak Thymus - a weak immune system.

When the Pancreas puts out less insulin, the other endocrine glands are denied glucose, which is an important energy source for the functioning of all the cells of the body.

The Adrenal Glands regulate the response to stress through the regulation of protein, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism.  It powers up the immune system in conditions of stress.  When the Adrenals are exhausted the body is more susceptible to infections.

The Testes and Adrenals in men and the Adrenals alone in women make testosterone, the hormone responsible for maintaining aerobic metabolism preventing the body from resorting to the far less efficient anaerobic metabolism.

The Ovaries and Adrenals in women and the Adrenals alone in men make estrogen, which lends softness and pliability to tissues.  Then estrogen productions wanes the connective tissue component of all organs suffer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy, by itself can cut morbidity and mortality rates dramatically.

Before you begin Hormone Replacement therapy, your physician will run a series of tests to establish the correct diagnosis, based on clinical symptoms and physical examination of which endocrine glands are weak.

The hormones DHEA, melatonin, pregnenolone and HGH (Human Growth Hormone) all help regulate the rate at which we age along with the physical and mental expressions of aging.  Although these hormones are readily available in Health Food Stores, it is unwise to self diagnose without knowing the level of hormone replacement is correct for your body.  Other Hormones, such as the natural human estrogens (estrone, estriol and estradiol) and testosterone are available by prescription.

To get the best results, all of these hormones should be tested before supplementation and supplementation should be aimed at providing optimal levels, not simply high levels.

When it comes to hormones, not enough is bad, but too much is worse!   Talk to Dr. Bhardwaj.