Hormones

Note: this was excerpted from Baughman & Associates Age Managment Medicine Newsletter #13, August 2010.

Like many new ideas in medicine, the concept of hormone replacement and augmentation has not been met with universal acclaim. Acceptance is increasing as more successful research is being reported, but it is slow. However, recall how long it took for “handwashing” to be accepted after Semmelweiss showed that it was the key to preventing the spread of childbed (puerpural) fever.

Growth hormone has probably received the most bad press along with testosterone. Research is beginning to show that growth hormone might have an important role in wound healing. Growth hormone deficiency is very common especially after age 60, almost universal after age 70.

Testosterone is also finding uses in the acute care arena. It is a coronary vasodilator and has been used for heart attack victims. Its use in elderly ventilator patients may be the key to their survival when combined with supplements such as D. ribose, l-carnitine, taurosine, and vitamin C, which help the mitochondria in the muscle cells to generate more energy. Testosterone provides more muscle mass and muscle mass function for ventilation.

Progesterone was also found to have a role in the treatment of closed head injury victims, as it contributes to reduction of swelling of the brain. Journals of Trauma and Acute care are beginning to note this use of progesterone.

Finally, testosterone may be the key to treatment of osteoporosis as it increases bone mass. It also increases the muscle mass which is important in preventing falls and fractures in this group.

Diet, exercise, and hormone replacement are the new cornerstones of health and longevity.

The guidelines provided on this website are for general information only.  Baughman Age Management Medicine strongly recommends that you consult your physician before pursuing any regimen listed in this website.