Anti-ageing medicine researches the biological causes of ageing in order to better understand and delay the ageing process.
The most important known causes of ageing are
- limited number of body cell division
- Declining hormone levels
- Declining defenses of the immune system
- Increasing DNA damage caused by free oxygen radicals
- Saccharification of the cell membranes
Various procedures and measures are used to slow down the ageing process as much as possible .
With increasing age, the level of many hormones drops significantly. In post-menopausal women, the oestrogen concentration is responsible for
- the loss of bone mass and
- the increasing risk of cardiovascular disease
In men, the amount of testosterone in the blood decreases, which results in a reduction in muscle mass and an increased risk of heart attack.
Other hormones such as melatonin also show a declining level in the course of life. Melatonin regulates the sleep rhythm, for example.
Hormone therapy by an endocrinologist or gynecologist should compensate for the hormone deficiency. This can inhibit the ageing process and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
The treatment is used for
- Women with severe menopausal symptoms
- Men with declining performance
- People with hormone-related sleep disorders
A blood sample is taken to analyze the hormone concentrations . On this basis, the doctor determines a precise treatment plan with the appropriate dosage and regular check-ups. Hormones are usually administered via gel patches on the skin or injections.
The administration of hormones carries a number of risks, especially if the dosage is too high.
The following risks arise in women:
In men, excessive doses of testosterone cause side effects such as
- increased propensity to violence and
- inability to conceive
- Acceleration of (as yet undetected) prostate cancer
You should therefore weigh upthe benefits and risks of hormone therapy in a detailed discussion with your doctor.
Adjusting your lifestyle plays a fundamental role in anti-ageing medicine. A healthy lifestyle is a prerequisite for the success of other treatments.
A healthy lifestyle includes
- sufficient exercise
- a balanced diet
- Reducing stress
Regular endurance training, for example, is very important. This includes swimming, walking and cycling.
Endurance sports prevent numerous illnesses, reduce excess weight and reduce stress.
The diet should be varied, low in fat and high in fiber. This reduces the risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure and promotes firm skin.
Stress increases the level of the stress hormone cortisol. This not only has a negative effect on health, but also makes the face look older. Stress and worry can be reduced through plenty of exercise, relaxation techniques or psychotherapy.
Quitting smoking is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Nicotine not only promotes all diseases, but also causes premature skin ageing. It increases the breakdown of collagen fibers and impairs blood circulation in the skin. Smokers are more likely to have deep wrinkles and therefore look older than their age.
Furthermore, you should only drink alcohol in moderation, as it accelerates the ageing process. Too much alcohol also damages brain cells and the central nervous system. It therefore contributes to faster mental ageing.
You can maintain your mental fitness into old age through regular mental activities such as learning and memory training.
Anti-ageing measures also include a healthy lifestyle with exercise, relaxation and a healthy diet © rh2010 | AdobeStock
If there is a lack of important nutrients despite a balanced diet, dietary supplements can help. A vital substance supplement or micronutrient therapy can help to slow down ageing.
The most important micronutrients are
- Vitamins
- minerals
- trace elements
- secondary plant substances
- essential fatty acids
- amino acids
Antioxidants, also known as radical scavengers , are important for the anti-ageing effect. They protect our body from free radicals. These are unstable, oxygen-containing molecules that set dangerous chain reactions in motion and thus cause cell damage. Antioxidants interrupt the harmful chain reactions of free radicals.
They are found in:
- Fruit
- vegetables
- nuts
- natural oils
Vital substances are available as food supplements in the form of tablets, powders and capsules. Nutrient supplements should be discussed with your doctor and tailored to your individual needs. An overdose of vital substances can have negative effects on your health.
Cosmetic anti-ageing treatments should be carried out alongside a healthy lifestyle so that they can have an optimal effect.
Cosmetic measures can prevent the formation of wrinkles in the skin to a certain extent. There is a wide range of cosmetics available in the form of creams, serums or masks.
Typical ingredients of anti-ageing products are
- Vitamin A, E and C
- antioxidants
- hyaluronic acid
- the coenzyme Q10
Most people associate the term anti-ageing with cosmetic surgery. The treatments are aimed exclusively at optical rejuvenation.
Non-surgical and surgical treatment methods are available for this purpose.
Non-surgical anti-ageing procedures include, for example
However, these treatments must be repeated as they only have a temporary effect.
Surgical methods such as facelifts and eyelid lifts are necessary for permanent skin rejuvenation.