Are anti-aging hormones safe??? Want to trade in your body for a younger model? Hormone supplements hold promise, but carry risks. Top experts debate what you should do - Expert Roundtable

Natural Health, May-June, 2003 by Erin O'Donnell

These experts advise you to limit your consumption of refined grains like white rice, white bread, and white pasta, which are devoid of disease-fighting nutrients and encourage weight gain. Some panelists say brown rice and whole-wheat bread and pasta are suitable alternatives, but others prefer that you rely more on fruits and vegetables and less on grain products for your carbs.

GO FOR GOOD FATS.

Minimize your intake of saturated fats and eliminate partially hydrogenated oils from your diet. In their place, our panelists recommend heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil) and omega-3 fats (from fish oil).

TAKE E EVERY DAY.

Our panelists have different opinions about vitamin and mineral supplements, but most agree that vitamin E is a smart bet to ward off disease. Three panelists recommend that you choose a supplement that contains natural mixed tocopherols.

TOAST TO YOUR HEALTH.

Some panelists say that having one alcoholic drink daily (like a 4-ounce glass of wine or a 2-ounce glass of spirits) may extend your life by protecting your heart.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE.

Our panelists stressed the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends, keeping a positive attitude, and adopting habits that help you cope with stress, like deep breathing, yoga, and exercise.

Our Panelists and Their Take on Anti-Aging Hormones

S. Mitchell Harman M.D., Ph.D.

Director and president of Kronos Longevity Research Institute in Phoenix. Co-author of a 2002 study that administered human growth hormone (HGH) to older adults and found both positive and negative effects.

His View:

Says doctors shouldn't prescribe HGH to healthy adults until conclusive evidence shows it's safe and effective.

Ronald Klatz D.O.

Founder and president of 4 the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine in Chicago, which trains physicians in anti-aging medicine. Author of Grow Young with HGH (Harper Perennial, 1998).

His View:

Supports the "judicious" use of anti-aging hormones if they're administered by qualified physicians.

Thomas Perls M.D., M.P.H.

Associate professor of medicine at Boston University Medical School in Boston and director of the New England Centenarian Study.

His View:

Says proponents of anti-aging hormones wrongly treat normal aging like a disease; believes we Can't trust anti-aging doctors to accurately report the side effects of hormones "because this is their bread and butter."

Ron Rothenberg M.D.

Clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Diego. Founder of California HealthSpan Institute in Encinitas, Calif., where he treats several hundred patients with hormones.

His View:

Supports hormone use by qualified physicians. "We could wait around for the ultimate double-blind study, but we've got to take our best shot now to help our patients enjoy the life they have."

Ray Sahelian M.D.

Family practice physician in Marina Del Ray, Calif., and author of Mind Boosters (St. Martin's Press, 2000) and other books on supplements.

His View:

Recommends the hormones DHEA and pregnenolone for some patients but in much lower doses than he once did, due to risks; says over-the-counter hormones should be used only under a doctor's supervision.