Hormonal changes are often associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. But a number of studies are also showing that hormones can play a significant role in the aging process. Researchers are still divided on whether hormonal changes are a sign of an aging endocrine system or actually fuel the aging process. However, hormone therapy has become a popular method of treating signs of aging.

There are several methods of hormone therapy available. Some are synthetically produced hormones, while others are labeled “natural.” Synthetic hormone replacement relies on hormones that are chemically different from those that are being replaced. While these synthetic hormones derive from natural sources, they are not identical to hormones naturally produced in the human body.

The alternative to synthetic hormones is called compounded bioidentical hormone treatment. This method of treating hormone depletion that leads to signs of aging is far preferred to the synthetic version. Compounded bioidentical hormones are derived from plants and match the chemical structure of hormones produced in the human body.

Hormone aging treatments are often packaged as “anti-aging” supplements when sold over the counter. Most of these anti-aging products contain DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which is a hormone that the human body converts into either male or female hormones. Many anti-aging researchers believe that levels of DHEA significantly decrease as we age, thereby directly impacting our natural levels of female and male hormones. Treatments for menopause and other effects of aging often focus on replenishing lost estrogen and other hormones associated with aging. Anti-aging supplements provide DHEA to increase the body’s ability to produce hormones naturally.

The effects of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy on the process and symptoms of aging are still heavily contested. If research is accurate regarding the link between changing hormone levels and aging, then it stands to reason that maintaining the hormone levels associated with youth would delay certain effects of aging on the body. However, compounded bioidentical hormone treatment for aging is not well regulated at this time and there are numerous concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

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