Albert Einsten College of Medicine in New York carried out study They found 'anti-ageing' hormones may decrease life expectancy The hormones are often used for cosmetic reasons and to look younger Scientists found they may increase risk of disease and cut body's defences

By Luke Garratt

PUBLISHED: 11:00 EST, 28 March 2014 | UPDATED: 11:00 EST, 28 March 2014

Hormone therapy can be medically legitimate, but it can also be used by those wishing to look younger

'Anti-ageing' hormones could in fact shorten your life expectancy.

New research suggests higher levels of hormones can reduce the effect of the body's natural defences against diseases.

The study by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York found that those in their 90s with naturally low levels of the hormone had a much better chance of living into their 100s than those with above-average levels.

Anti-ageing hormones are a billion dollar industry based on the theory that replenishing hormones, which disappear naturally as you grow older, will restore youth.

The hormones that are administered are mostly human growth hormone (HGH) which makes the body develop another hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and dehydroepiandrostersone (DHEA).

Previous studies have found that using HGH, estrogen and other hormones has dangerous side effects like cancer, joint problems and cardiovascular disease.

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Could 'anti-ageing' hormone shorten your life? Higher levels of hormones reduce the effect of the body's natural ...