Dr. Patrick Treacy speaks about anti-aging therapies: Too good to be true?

Oct. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- Health & Living There has been a lot of talk recently about anti-ageing. What exactly is ageing and how can we control it?

Dr. PJT    Nothing like starting off at the deep end. I suppose aging is really an accumulation of damage to molecules, cells, tissue and eventually organs. The maximum life span known for humans is 122 years, whereas the maximum lifespan of a mouse is about 3 years. There are many reasons this happens, genetic differences between humans and mice, fertility rate, efficiency of DNA repair and the old “buzzword” different rates of free radical production, etc.

Health & Living You sound cynical about the last one, why is that?

Dr. PJT    No I am not, especially as I am also a trained Molecular Biologist. Antioxidants, including Vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C and E are believed to counteract free radicals and in some way prevent chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes. There are many studies that point towards the benefits of beta-carotene, folic acid and selenium. These anti-oxidants are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. I suppose I am cynical about the advantage of these adjuncts in pill form.

Health & Living What about taking hormones?

Dr. PJT    Again, I am going to stand out on a limb and look at the evidence supporting their use. When people talk about hormones, they usually mean taking DHEA, Testosterone, Oestrogen and probably Human Growth Hormone. Hormones are chemicals needed to help keep your vital organs working properly, which decline naturally as we age. It is easy to see why people would believe restoring their level to lead to youth and vitality.

Health & Living You don’t think that’s true?

Dr. PJT    Life is never that simple. We all know that HRT can restore a woman’s skin, vaginal secretions, energy etc. but it has its risks in older age groups also. Look at the precursor hormone DHEA, which is converted in the body to oestrogen and testosterone. DHEA has long been touted as an anti-aging therapy, used to ward off chronic illness and maintain energy and vigour. Proponents say it also slows aging, increases muscle and bone strength, burns fat, improves cognition and bolsters immunity. However, an October 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Sreekumaran Nair, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, found no evidence that taking DHEA reverses the effects of aging.

Health & Living Tell us more about DHEA as it is so popular?

Dr. PJT    DHEA is the most abundant naturally occurring hormone circulating in the human body. It is secreted by the adrenal glands and reaches its peak by the early twenties and then declines with age. The decline with age of DHEA levels correlates with many age-related changes, including peaking at games, of muscle mass, of bone density, physical endurance and ability to fight disease. The study significant beneficial effects on any of those factors in men and women in their 60s and 70s.

Health & Living Could taking levels of DHEA harm you?

Dr. PJT    I don’t mind standing out on a limb on some issues but not this one as I don’t really know. I expect not as its use is regulated by the FDA in the United States. This hormone is extensively promoted and used as an anti-aging nutrient supplement by people hoping it will restore the pleasure of youth or increase longevity.  I expect, science does not support its use, although I am sure there are many people who would disagree with me on this one.

Health & Living What about taking testosterone?

Dr. PJT    This is one to watch. The male menopause, does it really exist? We do know for many years that declining levels of testosterone have been linked with decreased energy and sex drive, decreased muscle mass, decreased mental ability and even osteoporosis. We also know that more and more men are taking testosterone but not enough is known about the long term effects of testosterone therapy for this purpose. In essence, doctors feel uncomfortable about prescribing this hormone because of the lack of scientific evidence to balance whether the declining levels are unhealthy, especially as there is suspicion towards possible risks, including prostate problems. We do know that about 20% of men age 60 and older have testosterone levels below the normal range (testosterone deficiency).

Health & Living Shouldn’t these men be treated?

Dr. PJT   I would agree. If a patient feels decreased energy, reduced strength or cognitive ability, less sexual interest or potency, I would certainly check his testosterone levels as well as his thyroid levels, mood and medication. If his testosterone proved to be low I would treat him. In men with testosterone deficiency, testosterone therapy can restore sexual function and protect against heart disease (atherosclerosis). Also, some men taking testosterone therapy report an increase in energy, sex drive and well-being.

Health & Living Would you prescribe testosterone as an anti-ageing medicine?

Dr. PJT   I would not deprive patient of testosterone if he was aware of the potential benefits and risks of the medication. Though potentially beneficial, high doses of testosterone may result in sleep apnoea, infertility and it may also pose problems for prostate and breast cancer in men. Probably, patients with a family history of prostate or breast cancer should be cautioned. There is a tablet form but many doctors say, that testosterone taken by this method may cause an unfavourable cholesterol profile thereby increasing the risk of blood clots and heart and liver problems. Several other types of testosterone therapy exist. Intramuscular testosterone injections (Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone) are safe and effective. Injections are given approximately every two weeks. A patch containing testosterone (Androderm) is applied each night to your back, abdomen, upper arm or thigh. The site of the application is rotated to maintain seven-day intervals between applications to the same site to lessen skin reactions.

Health & Living What are your views on Growth Hormone?

Dr. PJT   Studies of adults with growth hormone deficiencies show that injections of growth hormone can: increase bone density, increase muscle mass, decrease body fat, improve mood and motivation and increase exercise capacity. It’s not hard to see why people believe that synthetic growth hormone could help healthy older adults who have naturally low levels of growth hormone regain some of their youth and vitality. We do not have a lot of clinical data but most studies show that Growth  Hormone injections can increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of body fat in healthy older adults. It was not exactly clear whether they became stronger or had increased mood. The studies pointed towards a number of side effects, including: swelling in the arms and legs, arthritis-like symptoms, carpal tunnel symptoms, headaches, muscle pain and worse still unfortunately diabetes, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure.

Health & Living So what do you really think about anti ageing medicines?

Dr. PJT   I really hate to sound like a kill joy, especially as I am continually asked to speak at anti ageing conferences.  In essence, I would really love to see a hormonal answer to stop the process of aging but none of these supplements has sufficient medical evidence to back up the claims made by anti-aging enthusiasts in view of the risks they carry.

Health & Living  Do you feel the same way about HRT you mentioned earlier?

Dr. PJT   Not really!. OK we all know that post menopausal hormone replacement therapy also carries significant risks, including breast cancer and an increased risk of blood clots leading to heart disease and heart attack. However, unlike the other hormones it has been the subject of extensive research and I have prescribed it form any years and valued its benefit in treating mental alertness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and poor skin.

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Dr. Patrick Treacy is Medical Director of Ailesbury Clinics Ltd. He is Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and Irish Regional Representative of the BACD. He is a Medical Advisor to the UK's largest cosmetic website Consulting Rooms.