Anti-Aging Specialists & Information

As we age, the levels of many hormones drop significantly. In postmenopausal women, low estrogen levels are responsible for:

• the loss of bone mass and
• an increased risk of cardiovascular disease

In men, testosterone levels in the blood decline, leading to a loss of muscle mass and an increased risk of heart attack.

Other hormones, such as melatonin, also show declining levels over the course of a person’s life. Melatonin, for example, regulates the sleep cycle.

Hormone therapy administered by an endocrinologist or gynecologist is intended to compensate for hormone deficiency. This can slow the aging process and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

The treatment is used for:

• Women with severe menopausal symptoms
• Men experiencing a decline in performance
• People with hormone-related sleep disorders

Up to 85 percent of all women going through menopause experience regular hot flashes @ Monkey Business /AdobeStock

A blood sample is taken to analyze hormone levels. Based on this, the doctor develops a precise treatment plan with the appropriate dosage and frequent follow-up appointments. Hormones are typically administered via transdermal patches or injections.

Hormone therapy carries a number of risks, particularly when the dosage is too high.

For women, the following risks arise:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Thrombosis
• Stroke

In men, excessive testosterone doses can cause side effects such as:

• increased aggression and
• infertility
• acceleration of (as yet undetected) prostate cancer

You should therefore weigh the benefits and risks of hormone therapy in a detailed discussion with your doctor.

Lifestyle adjustments play a fundamental role in anti-aging 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 of great importance. This includes swimming, walking, and cycling.

Endurance sports help prevent numerous diseases, reduce excess weight, and relieve stress.

Endurance sports are a key factor in combating aging @ Jenny Sturm /AdobeStock

Your 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.

During periods of severe stress, levels of the stress hormone cortisol rise. This not only has a negative impact on health but also makes the face appear older. Stress and anxiety can be reduced through regular exercise, relaxation techniques, or psychotherapy.

Quitting smoking is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Nicotine not only contributes to all kinds of diseases but also causes premature skin aging. It accelerates the breakdown of collagen fibers and impairs blood circulation in the skin. Smokers are more likely to develop deep wrinkles and therefore look older than they are.

Furthermore, you should drink alcohol only in moderation, as it accelerates the aging process. In addition, too much alcohol damages brain cells and the central nervous system. It thus contributes to faster mental aging.

You can maintain your mental fitness well into old age through regular mental activities such as learning and memory training.

Anti-aging measures also include a healthy lifestyle with exercise, relaxation, and a healthy diet © rh2010 | AdobeStock

If you have a deficiency in important nutrients despite a balanced diet, dietary supplements can help. Nutritional supplementation or micronutrient therapy can help slow down the aging process.

The most important micronutrients are:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Trace elements
• phytochemicals
• Essential fatty acids
• Amino acids

So-called antioxidants, also known as free radical scavengers, are important for their anti-aging effects. They protect our bodies from free radicals—unstable, oxygen-containing molecules that trigger dangerous chain reactions and thus cause cell damage. Antioxidants interrupt the harmful chain reactions caused by free radicals.

They are found in:

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• nuts
• natural oils

Essential nutrients are available as dietary supplements in the form of tablets, powders, and capsules. You should discuss taking any nutritional supplements with your doctor and tailor them to your individual needs. An overdose of essential nutrients can have negative effects on your health.

A healthy diet plays an important role in anti-aging medicine @ Alexander Raths /AdobeStock

Cosmetic anti-aging treatments should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle to ensure they are as effective as possible.

Cosmetic treatments can help prevent wrinkles to a certain extent. There is a wide range of cosmetic products available, including creams, serums, and masks.

Typical ingredients in anti-aging products include:

• Vitamins A, E, and C
• Antioxidants
• Hyaluronic acid
• Coenzyme Q10

Anti-aging skincare products help combat skin aging @ PrettyVectors /AdobeStock

Most people associate the term “anti-aging” with cosmetic surgery. These treatments are aimed exclusively at achieving a more youthful appearance.

Both non-surgical and surgical treatment methods are available for this purpose.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance produced naturally by the body @ Einero/peopleimages.com /AdobeStock

Non-surgical anti-aging procedures include, for example:

• Wrinkle fillers with hyaluronic acid or Botox
• Laser treatments and
• Thread lifts

However, these treatments must be repeated because they only have a temporary effect.

For permanent skin rejuvenation, surgical methods such as facelifts and blepharoplasty are necessary.