My Approach to Hormone Optimization for Longevity

In my biochemistry classes, I learned a lot about cellular biology. For example, I learned about genetics, and I learned about a large variety of intracellular processes orchestrated by weird-sounding proteins.

Unfortunately, for the most part, my professors failed to mention that we are not solitary single-celled organisms but rather a collection of billions of intricately interdependent cells that cooperate for a common goal (i.e., to pass on genes effectively to the next generation).

To ensure proper cooperation of these individual cells, early animals evolved a large number of signaling molecules to instruct each other on how to behave under certain conditions in order to serve the greater good (i.e., the survival and reproduction of the organism).

If these molecules are used for sending signals between cells over long distances (e.g., in vertebrates via the bloodstream) these molecules are called “hormones”, which derives from ancient Greek and means “to set in motion”.

For about 500 Mio. years, hormones have been coordinating the behavior of individual cells throughout the animal kingdom. In vertebrates, there are a vast number of different hormones, each for a distinct purpose. Some of these hormones act at the most powerful layer of intervention – namely, to alter the expression of genes directly.

Hormones are not everything, but without proper hormonal health, everything is nothing. Unfortunately, hormone replacement is a very neglected area in the conventional healthcare system.

I discuss some of the most important hormones, and my experience with them, here.

Hormones & aging

As I age, hormone levels decline across the board and my cells are progressively deprived of these crucial intercellular mediators.

While the age-related hormonal decline is “natural”, evolution never prepared for humans being much older than age of 40. The hormonal decline is simply a byproduct of the aging process, including a deterioration of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, peripheral glands, and target cells. In my opinion, restoring hormones to youthful levels is just as unnatural as living beyond the age of 50 anyway.

Proper hormone levels are crucial for gracious aging. Hormones are needed to help with nutrient partitioning, energy generation, musculoskeletal health, brain function, heart health, and pretty much everything my body does. Furthermore, hormones are intricately linked to vitality.

In my opinion, achieving excellent health, performance, and well-being beyond the age of 50 is hardly possible without the use of at least some exogenous hormonal support – at least for most people.

• First, hormones are important for maintaining the structure and function of all of the tissues and organs in my body.

• Second, hormones have a major say in how I feel, which then co-determines the lifestyle choices I make.

Hormones & lifespan

I will now briefly discuss various hormones and how they relate to different aspects of the aging process. This list is far from exhaustive.

The above is only a fraction of the article. This article is currently undergoing final revisions and is expected to be published within the next few weeks to months. To receive a notification upon its release, sign up for my newsletter.