Disease and aging reduce circulating levels of natural hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. These losses cause deficiency syndromes which adversely affect physical and mental health. Prescription medications and nutritional products indirectly help treat these problems. Dietary supplements that directly mimic the lost hormones may provide a better alternative. Yet, these over-the-counter products can cause side effects and people should take them only after consulting with a health care professional.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Older men often experience hypogonadism, a condition comparable to menopause. Wasting muscles and brittle bones characterize this medical problem. Androgens such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone can help alleviate hypogonadism. An investigation by Dr. Dennis T. Villareal and Dr. John O. Holloszy in the Nov. 10, 2004 edition of "JAMA" looked at dehydroepiandrosterone's impact on hormonal aging. These authors tested older men with androgen deficiency for six months. Dehydroepiandrosterone intake reduced diabetic symptoms and body fat without causing adverse events. While suggestive, the long-term effects of dehydroepiandrosterone remain unknown and people should speak with a physician before taking androgens.
Progesterone
Older women may suffer from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. These signs reflect the loss of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Hormone replacement can reverse these age-related changes. An experiment by H.B. Leonetti and team in the November 2005 issue of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" compared transdermal progesterone to oral progestin, a prescription drug. Patients received either treatment for six months. Both therapies prevented the negative changes often associated with menopause and caused no significant side effects. The women, however, preferred the progesterone cream. This clinical trial was small, and scientists must conduct additional research before doctors can recommend transdermal progesterone.
Pregnenolone
Substance abuse has a negative effect on millions of lives. People with chemical dependencies show low levels of reproductive hormones. Over-the-counter pregnenolone can restore a natural hormone balance in such patients. A study by I.J. Osuji and associates in the July 30, 2010 edition of "Psychiatry Research" evaluated pregnenolone use in depressed patients with a history of substance abuse. These scientists administered either the supplement or a placebo for two months. Relative to controls, subjects in the pregnenolone group had lower depression scores following treatment. The supplement was well tolerated as no adverse events were reported. Because this study tested only a few patients, the researchers wanted to collect more data before drawing firm conclusions.
Melatonin
The pineal gland produces less melatonin as people grow older. These changes have an adverse effect on the timing of daily behaviors, including sleep. Supplementing natural melatonin with over-the-counter pills can improve biological rhythms. A report by C. Garzon and colleagues in the February 2009 issue of "Aging Clinical and Experimental Research" looked at melatonin's effects in older adults with sleep complaints. These subjects received melatonin or placebo during successive two-month periods. The patients slept better during the melatonin treatment. Supplement intake also reduced depression scores. Yet, the long-term impact of such treatment remains unclear.
References
- "JAMA": Effect of DHEA on Abdominal Fat and Insulin Action in Elderly Women and Men
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Transdermal Progesterone Cream as an Alternative Progestin in Hormone Therapy; H.B. Leonetti et al.; November 2005
- "Psychiatry Research"; Pregnenolone for Cognition and Mood in Dual Diagnosis Patients; I.J. Osuji et al.; July 30, 2010
- "Aging Clinical and Experimental Research"; Effect of Melatonin Administration on Sleep, Behavioral Disorders and Hypnotic Drug Discontinuation in the Elderly; C. Garzon et al.; February 2009
