The NIH's National Institute on Aging (NIA) urges consumers to be cautious when considering so-called "anti-aging" hormones. None of the currently available hormone supplements, including human growth hormone, has been proven to prevent or reverse aging.

Unproven claims in the media that hormones can make people feel and look younger have led many consumers to try hormone supplements, such as DHEA and melatonin, which are available without a doctor's prescription. But the NIA warns that not enough information has been obtained on the "anti-aging" effects of these and other, more well-known supplements to justify their use.

Hormones are powerful substances that may have far-reaching effects throughout the body. Researchers supported by NIA are attempting to find out what effects hormone supplements have on people over time, including any "anti-aging" effects.

In certain conditions, taking hormones has been shown to provide benefits. For instance, your doctor may prescribe a hormone, such as testosterone, if your body fails to produce enough. However, unsupervised use of any hormone can result in health problems.

Further research may show that hormone supplements provide important health benefits, in addition to those already known. In the meantime, taking hormones on your own could result in dangerous side effects and unknown health risks. --an NIH HEALTHWise report, January 1998

For more information, contact:

Mary Sullivan Public Affairs Specialist and Editor, NIH News and Features Magazine Phone: 301-496-1766 Fax: 301-402-0395 E-mail: ms41x@nih.gov

Michael Miller NIA Information Office Phone: 301-496-1752 Fax: 301-496-1072 E-mail: MillerM@exmur.nia.nih.gov

A free copy of the NIA fact sheet on hormone supplements: "Pills, Patches, and Shots: Can Hormones Prevent Aging?" is available by calling 1-800-222-2225 or on the NIA home page (http://www.nih.gov/nia/). More information on aging, including NIA publications on aging-related topics is also available.