Three hormones that may help to halt ageing

Hormones are biochemical messengers from glands that regulate physiological processes, thus influencing metabolism, growth, immune responses, mood and reproduction.

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They travel in the bloodstream to target organs, binding to receptors to initiate biological activities. Ageing leads to a decline in physiological functions and alters hormone production, with key hormones like growth hormone, oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone decreasing.

This decline is linked to age-related conditions such as reduced muscle mass, increased fat, lower bone density and cognitive changes.

Understanding their interactions with ageing can help identify interventions to maintain hormonal balance and promote longevity, including hormone replacement therapies and lifestyle changes.

This column will explore the contributions of specific hormones - i.e. the growth hormone, sex hormones and thyroid hormones - to the ageing process and their potential implications for enhancing longevity.