No Need To Appear As Old As You May Be
Normal aging inflicts a devastating toll on the skin. While past generations had little choice than to accept relentless deterioration of their outer appearance, new scientific findings reveal proven methods of circumventing and reversing signs of age-related skin degeneration.
We are fortunate to live in a time when we dont have to just sit by and accept these inevitable consequences of aging.
If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-800-226-2370.
1. Calleja-Agius J, Muscat-Baron Y, Brincat MP. Skin ageing. Menopause Int. 2007 Jun 13:60-4.
2. Stevenson S, Thornton J. Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs. Clin Interv Aging. 2007 2:283-97.
3. Thornton MJ. The biological actions of estrogens on skin. Exp Dermatol. 2002 Dec 11:487-502.
4. Patriarca MT, Goldman KZ, Dos Santos JM, et al. Effects of topical estradiol on the facial skin collagen of postmenopausal women under oral hormone therapy: a pilot study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2007 Feb 130:202-5.
5. Schmidt JB, Binder M, Demschik G, Bieglmayer C, Reiner A. Treatment of skin aging with topical estrogens. Int J Dermatol. 1996 Sep 35: 669-74.
6. Brincat M, Moniz CF, Studd JW, Darby AJ, Magos A, Cooper D. Sex hormones and skin collagen content in postmenopausal women. Br Med J . 1983 Nov 5 287: 1337-8.
10. Head, KA. Estriol: Safety and efficacy. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Apr 3:101-13.
Our Hormones Effect On Aging
As we age, our body produces decreased levels of various hormones. These coincide with various aging signs and symptoms.
We have over 50 different hormones in our body, and all of these either affect or are affected by aging. These hormonal changes can affect your mood, sexual health, energy, metabolism and skin health, among other functions.
While aging impacts all hormones, hormones that have a noticeable impact on our body during the aging process are:
- Testosterone, particularly in men past the age of 40.
- Estrogen and progesterone, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone , which produces sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.
- Somatropin, also called the Human Growth Hormone
- Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone.
These hormones fluctuate as we age and have widespread effects on our sex drive, energy levels, body composition, skin, hair and nail health.
To be specific, here are some of the most noticeable ways decreases in sex hormones impact our bodies as we age:
Cognitive Decline Can Be Treated With Lifestyle Changes And Women Have An Advantage
She started Bredesens program, following some, but not all of the steps. Still, after just three months, all of her symptoms subsided: she was driving with no navigating issues, remembering phone numbers, retaining info she was reading. Heres what she did do:
-
Cut out refined carbohydrates, gluten, processed and packaged foods.
-
Added vegetables, fruit, wild fish.
-
Fasted for three hours between dinner and bedtime, and at least twelve hours between dinner and breakfast.
-
Bought an electric toothbrush and flosser and used them regularly.
-
Started practicing yoga and, later, became a yoga teacher. She practices yoga sixty to ninety minutes a day at least five times per week.
-
Practiced transcendental meditation twice per day for twenty minutes.
-
Began taking melatonin at night her sleep went from four or five to seven or eight hours per night.
-
Also added these supplements: methylcobalamin, 1 mg/day fish oil, 2,000 mg/day vitamin D3, 2,000 IU/day CoQ10, 200 mg/day.
-
Exercised aerobically for 30 to 45 minutes, four to six days per week.
Now at seventy, Patient Zero has no symptoms of cognitive decline. She works full-time, travels internationally, feels better than she did decades ago, and even has a high libido.
So cognitive decline can be treated with lifestyle changes, and women have an advantage, especially if theyre able to correct hormone imbalances as they start to appear. When you take care of the brain, it takes care of your mind and, by extension, you.
You May Like: Zarbee’s Sleep With Melatonin Reviews
A Q& a With Dr Sara Gottfried
Can you talk about the 90/10 conclusion at the heart of the book? How does lifestyle vs. genes vs. the interaction of the two contribute to signs of aging and disease?
Genetics loads the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger. I call this the 90/10 rule: Only 10 percent of disease is caused by your genes, while 90 percent is caused by environmental factors, including the environment you create with lifestyle choices. This gives you a sacred opportunity to change the course of disease and aging in your body by lengthening your healthspan, the period of time in your prime, relatively free of disease. The goal is to upgrade that 90 percent to affect the genetic 10 percent.
Since mapping the human genome, scientists developed an important complementary concept called the exposomethe sum of all exposures in an individual, from diet and lifestyle to behavior, as well as how the body responds to them, and, finally, how these exposures relate to health. These factors have the power to work for or against you, and can adjust how your genes are expressed in your DNA sequence.
Riskprovider Influence Confusion And Fear Of Quitting
No participant expressed concern about HT health risks without being asked, and few said they were concerned about the risk of breast cancer with prolonged use. For example, when this woman was asked whether she was concerned about increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use, she responded,
I had forgotten that aspect of side effects, andno. Its never been a concern for me. None of my immediate relatives have ever had breast cancer. Its never been an issue in my family. I remember when I was first taking the pill, I got some significant lumps in my breast because I was taking too strong a pill. But with this therapy, its never been an issue.
Most participants reported obtaining HT prescriptions from gynecology specialists rather than generalists/internists, and many reported that their providers had played a role in shaping positive views. The woman quoted below echoed the words of others who stated that concern about HT risk raised by results of the Womens Health Initiative was overblown, the WHI was a flawed study, and the findings were irrelevant.
Recommended Reading: Caffeine And Cortisol And Weight Gain
Is Hrt For Anti
While HRT provides many anti-aging benefits, it is not always the right choice for everyone. Some individuals may have medical conditions or take medications that could harmfully interact with HRT, while others may not meet the threshold for hormonal imbalances to require HRT. It is essential to speak with your doctor before pursuing HRT for anti-aging to make sure you can safely receive this type of treatment.
HRT may not be suitable if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have experienced breast, ovarian or uterine cancer.
- Have a history of blood clots HRT tablets are not recommended, but subcutaneous pellets may work.
- Have had heart disease or one or more strokes.
- Have liver disease or untreated high blood pressure controlled blood pressure is essential for HRT.
Consult your doctor if you have any of the above conditions and are considering HRT for anti-aging. They may be able to modify your treatment or find alternative treatments if HRT is not suitable for you.
HRT for anti-aging could be right for you if none of the above conditions apply and you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Anxiety or depression, especially if these symptoms are absent before menopause or andropause
- Brittle bones and nails
- Vaginal dryness, burning, itching or pain during sex
- Wrinkles, fine lines and other aging signs
Role Of Sex Hormones In Our Body
Sex hormones play an essential role in our bodies. As we go through our childhood, puberty, and childbearing years, these hormones guide us through various changes. The changes in our body are mainly related to hormonal level shifts. In women, fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone hormones leads to perimenopause or menopause.
On the other hand, testosterone fluctuation in men can cause several problems, including physical and emotional ones. So, most of the immediate changes in our bodies are due to these sex hormone fluctuations. Similarly, they also control our aging process.
Besides only sex and reproduction, sex hormones have many important jobs in our physical and mental well-being. With women approaching menopause, the level of estrogen and progesterone can fluctuate significantly. These fluctuations have an intense effect on different body tissues and systems, shaping how we look and feel.
These changes may vary widely and impact different parts of our body.
Also Check: Foods That Cause Hormonal Imbalance
Sex Desire And Sexual Function
Perhaps the most visible function of sex hormones is their effect on sexual drive and sexual health. You may have diminished sexual desire and, in the case of women, even painful sex due to the symptoms and consequences of menopause, perimenopause, and andropause. You may feel out of sync with your body as a result of this, in addition to being undesirable.
These Cultures Arrived At A Particular Combination Of Genes And Lifestyle That Protects Them From The Ravages Of Aging
One of the cultures that intrigues me the most is based in Icaria, a mountainous island in Greece with a wonderful quality of life. Icaria is more isolated than other Greek islands , so its been spared most of the trappings of tourism, including fast food and a fast-paced life. As a result, the island even now is a great laboratory for a different way of life.
Icarians live ten years longer than most Europeans. Icarians of all ages run up and down their hilly landscape daily. The island boasts the most ninety-year-olds in the world, with one in three people surviving to ninety. Hardly anyone has dementia or depression.
While no single factor explains longevity across the board, its fun to peek inside a few of the typical daily activities of an Icarian to get a glimpse of how he or she achieves such a long healthspan: Walk like a goatherd, intermittently fast, eschew retirement, live without a watch or alarm clock, eat over 100 species of wild greens.
Can lifestyle changes affect Alzheimers?
Two-thirds of people with Alzheimers are women. By 2050, the number of people age sixty-five and older with Alzheimers disease is expected to have tripled. Every five years after age sixty-five, an individuals risk of developing Alzheimers doubles. After you hit age eighty-five, the risk is almost 50 percent.
Also Check: How To Boost Estrogen Levels
What Is Hormone Therapy And What Can It Do
Hormone therapy is the use of hormones to treat medical conditions. Hormone therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including menopause, osteoporosis, hot flashes, mood swings, low sex drive, and sleep problems. Additionally, they can be used to help you feel and look great!
That being said, Hormone therapy can be used to either supplement the bodys own production of hormones or to replace hormones that are no longer being produced. Hormone therapy is often prescribed by doctors in order to alleviate the symptoms of hormone-related conditions.
There are a variety of different hormone therapies available, and the specific type of therapy that is used will depend on the individuals needs and medical condition. Some common types of hormone therapy include testosterone therapy, progestin therapy, and so on.
How To Boost Estrogen
Natural way to boost estrogen levels is through a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eating cruciferous vegetables, nuts and whole grains will boost estrogen and help you to look younger. You need to sleep well if you want to boost estrogen.
Maintaining healthy weight and staying stress free will also help you to maintain estrogen levels.
Read Also: Melatonin Dosage For Dogs With Cushings
What Does Estrogen Do To Make You Look Younger
Estrogen is a remarkable hormone. While most people associate it only with female qualities such as growing breasts, sexual libido, and regulation of the menstrual cycle, it actually controls far more within the body. It affects skin, hair, nails, metabolism, muscle mass, and energy levels.
Studies have found that females with higher estrogen levels also have facial features that are typically considered more attractive, in terms of bone structure, nose shape, eye size and width apart, and lip size and shape.
These effects are thought to be caused by hyaluronic acid, which is produced by estrogen. It tightens and firms the skin as well as making it more susceptible to hydration, which has further beneficial effects for skin. Hydrated skin is healthy skin and can further contribute to helping a womans face feel younger.
Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Make You Feel Younger
In addition to making you look younger, hormone replacement therapy can also make you feel younger! While it cannot turn back the clock, it can provide you with youthful exuberance as you age with grace. Perhaps even more consequential than wrinkles and skin laxity are the effects of menopause, andropause and aging on your overall mood, energy and wellness. Hormonal changes with age can leave your brain in a fog and make you vulnerable to depression and chronic fatigue. These effects can make you feel older than your age.
Fortunately, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy are more than skin deep. They also extend to your mental and emotional health. Some improvements in mental and emotional wellness that patients have experienced with HRT include:
- Fewer hot flashes and night sweats.
- Greater interest in activities and hobbies.
- Improved weight management.
- Increased libido and sexual desire.
- Mood stability.
- Stronger memory and focus.
Don’t Miss: How Much For Testosterone Shots
Is It Possible To Reverse Ageing
Is it possible to reverse aging? You cannot wholly reverse agingit’s a normal part of life. However, you may be able to slow it down and help prevent age-related diseases by adopting a healthy lifestyle. That includes habits like eating a healthy diet, wearing sunscreen every day, and exercising …. read more
How To Look Much Younger Than Your Real Age
People today are revolting against unsightly skin deterioration by taking aggressive steps to preserve their youthful radiance. New scientific studies uncover innovative approaches to prevent and reverse facial skin aging that are available for the first time to the general public.
Scientifically reviewed by: Dr. Gary Gonzalez, MD, in January 2021. Written by: Trish Riley.
Humans can greatly accelerate their rate of skin aging. For instance, a 35-year-old woman will look older if she smokes cigarettes, eats overcooked foods, avoids fresh fruits and vegetables, and/or exposes her skin to ultraviolet sunlight.
Just as there are proven ways to speed up skin degeneration, there now are documented methods to prevent and reverse it.
The population is revolting against unsightly skin deterioration by taking extraordinary steps to preserve the radiance of youth. The result is that aging people today do not have to look as old as previous generations.
This article uncovers novel approaches to looking younger that are available for the first time to the general public.
One reason that facial skin shrivels as we age is that our natural hormone production markedly declines. To make matters worse, blood microcirculation to our skin is reduced as we grow older, thereby depriving our skin of the small amount of natural hormones our body still makes.
Don’t Miss: Symptoms Of Low Estrogen Menopause
See If Bioidentical Hrt Is Right For You To Make Your Skin Look Younger
We have a range of HRT gels, pellets, and creams that help our patients overcome hormone changes due to aging.
But when considering HRT, its important to factor in all aspects of your health history, age, and conditions before starting HRT. Thats why its required to work with a doctor who can make sure you get the safest and most effective treatment plan for your situation.
To learn about our Bioidentical HRT services provided by Dr. Keiffer, contact your closest Valley Medical Weight Loss location to book your consultation today.
Twin Study Reveals Secrets To Looking Younger
For years, the similarities between Jeanne and Susan were uncanny. Growing up, the identical twin sisters not only were mirror images of each other, but also shared a bunch of preferences and personality quirks. Even now, living 1,000 miles apart Jeanne in Ohio, Susan in Florida well send identical Christmas cards to our parents and choose the exact same gift wrap, Jeanne says. But they do have some differences, she adds: We dont have the same taste in men or in weather.
In fact, unlike Jeanne, Susan is a lifelong sun worshipper. In addition, Susan began smoking in her late teens, and although she stopped for six years in her 20s, she averaged a pack and a half a day for 16 years before quitting in her late 30s. Jeanne never smoked. Over time, it seems, these habits have made a remarkable difference in the way they look. Now, Susan looks ten years older than I do, Jeanne acknowledges. In fact, when we meet new people Ill say, Shes my sister, but I never say shes my twin.
Catherine Deneuve has been credited with proclaimingthat after a certain age, a woman needs to choose between her face and her behind meaning that a lean body can result in a face that appears gaunt and haggard. Indeed, for women over 40, this maxim is true, report Guyuron and his study co-authors, who surveyed and photographed 186 sets of identical twins. Additional weight fills in and softens wrinkles, making a heavier twin look younger than her sister, Guyuron explains.
Recommended Reading: Lo Lo Estrogen Fe Generic
Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Make You Look Younger
So does Hormone Replacement Therapy make you look younger? Nobody likes to grow old, and women dealing with menopause also find themselves battling against wrinkles and lower energy levels as their bodies age. One of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy is that it can make you look younger.
Hormone replacement therapy, or more specifically estrogen, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. It can also promote hair growth, which can contribute to a more youthful appearance.
Estrogen can also help you feel younger by boosting your energy levels. Importantly, hormone replacement therapy can improve libido and sleep quality, which all contributes to feeling healthier, more positive, and ultimately younger.