About the Author

Thierry Hertoghe, M.D., is a member of the International Advisory Board of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He lectures regularly to medical professionals and laypeople in the United States and abroad on the subject of hormone deficiencies.

Jules-Jacques Nabet, M.D., practices general medicine in Paris and London, specializing in longevity. He is a member of the European Academy of Quality of Life and Longevity Medicine (EQUALL) and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Reviews

Those who are in search of the fountain of youth will find a wealth of detail here concerning the importance of hormone replacement therapy. According to Hertoghe, a physician based in Brussels who is a member of the International Advisory Board of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, "with natural hormones in amounts as close as possible to what your younger body made for itself, you can re-create the same state of health and well-being you once enjoyed." A patient should work in concert with a physician, who will first administer a battery of blood and urine tests to determine hormone levels. After the tests have been analyzed, the patient will describe his or her particular symptoms of aging, such as decreased energy, hair loss or wrinkles. Then a beneficial individual hormone replacement program can be designed to mitigate these conditions. According to Hertoghe, small doses of natural, as opposed to synthetic, hormones are not harmful. He includes such examples as natural estrogen, ACTH, the "growth hormone," melatonin, progesterone and other hormonal substances. This therapy is meant to be undertaken along with supplemental vitamins and a nutritional program also described here. Although the author provides some research data and anecdotal information from his practice, hormone therapy remains controversial and some of Hertoghe's dietary suggestions, such as abstaining from dairy products, may puzzle some readers. His useful information is often buried beneath an overly complex presentation. (Aug.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.