The Neuroendocrine Theory
of Aging was first proposed by Russian Professor Vladimir Dilman and strongly
supported by Ward Dean MD about 30 years ago. This theory elaborates on wear
and tear of the human organism by focusing on its neuroendocrine system.
The neuroendocrine
system represents a complicated network of biochemicals, managing the release
of hormones which are altered by the hypothalamus – a walnut sized gland
located in the brain. The hypothalamus controls various chain-reactions to
instruct other organs and glands to release their hormones etc. The
hypothalamus also responds to the body hormone levels as a guide to the overall
hormonal activity. These hormones influence growth, sexual functions and other
vital body functions.
The Hypothalamus
The
hypothalamus is a region of the brain that controls most of our metabolisms and
bodily functions. It is located in the middle of the base of the brain. The main function of the hypothalamus is
homeostasis, or maintaining the body's status quo. Factors such as energy,
blood pressure, body temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance, and body
weight are held to a precise value called the set-point.
Ultimately the
hypothalamus along with its two principal allies the pituitary and the pineal
glands, is responsible for regulation of all physiological metabolisms. These
metabolisms include the endocrine system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic
nervous system, the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the
cardiovascular system and the digestive system with its assimilation,
absorption and elimination functions.
The hypothalamus and its allies “the glands” are so important that they have gained the reputation of being “the guardian of health”.
Thus, the
hypothalamus operates by a chain reaction that releases the hormones that
regulate other hormones. For instance, the hypothalamus releases Follicle
Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormones (LH) which influence the
secretion of estrogen and progesterone from the ovaries. These hormones
regulate the female reproductive system. The level of these reproductive
hormones decline with age as the woman experiences menopause. Menopause is a
major age related change that occurs in females and is under the influence of
neuroendocrine hormones. The hypothalamus responds to the body’s hormone levels
and uses it as a guide to regulate hormonal activity. Hormone levels are high
during younger years which accounts for menstruation in women and high sex
drive in both sexes.
Aging
But as we grow older
the hypothalamus loses it precision regulatory ability and the receptors which
uptake individual hormones become less sensitive to them. Accordingly, as we
age the secretion of many hormones declines and their effectiveness (compared
unit to unit) is also reduced due to the receptors down-grading. One theory for
the hypothalamus loss of regulation is that it is damaged by the hormone cortisol.
Cortisol is produced from the adrenal glands (located on the kidneys)
and cortisol is considered to be a dark-hormone responsible for stress. It is
known to be one of the few hormones that increase with age.
If cortisol damages
the hypothalamus, then over time it becomes a vicious cycle of continued
hypothalamic damage, leading to an ever increasing degree of cortisol
production and thus more hypothalamic damage. This damage could then lead to
hormonal imbalance as the hypothalamus loses its ability to control the system.
Such an argument demands the use of cortisol adjusters to help slow down
the cortisol accumulation.
Human Growth Hormone
Another hormone that
confirms the accuracy of the neuroendocrine phenomenon is the human growth
hormone (HGH). This hormone level is high during infancy and starts to
decline by mid 30’s. HGH controls physiological growth and is responsible for
our growth from birth to old age. It stimulates sex drive and metabolic
processes as well as associated with youthfulness, maintenance of the skin,
increased muscle mass and vitality. With advance age there is a decreased
production of HGH which results in reduced sex drive, decreased metabolism and
changes in the appearances of the skin. Other hormone secretion also declines
with advanced age which affects how the body functions. For example, decreased
testosterone affects the sex drive and male vitality while decreased estrogen
production is associated with menopause in women. Decline in thyroid hormone
will affect the body’s metabolic rate.
Solution to Aging
A decrease in
hormone levels stimulates the body to adjust by slowing down its functions. The
body literally starts to slow down and other organs also start to release low
levels of hormones in response to support the change. Some people do not deal
with this change very well. They feel a sense of loss of youthfulness. This is
why hormone replacement therapy is recommended which can reignite the interest
in life and increase human vitality. HGH is frequently used as an anti-aging
therapy because it stimulates sex drive and rejuvenates youthful appearance. It
promotes lean body mass and completely reverse the effects of aging. Hormone
replacement therapy is a frequent component of anti-aging treatment and it
helps to reset the body’s hormonal clock. This allows the signs of aging to be
reversed or even delay the effects of aging.
Benefits of the
Human Growth Hormone replacement therapy:
•
Increase
bone density
•
Increase
muscle mass
•
Decrease
body fat
•
Increase
exercise capacity
•
Human
growth hormone is also approved to treat AIDS- or HIV-related muscle wasting.
However, there are
possible negative side effects you should be aware of:
•
Swelling
in arms and legs
•
Joint
pain
•
Muscle
pain
•
For men,
enlargement of breast tissue
Dr. Dean also
believes that the next-generation of hormone replacement therapy is the
hypothalamus hormones (expected to be commercially available soon). These types
of natural supplements could present a whole new approach and concept to
endocrine balance, control and improvement.
Sources and Additional
Information:
