updated 6/16/2009 9:13:17 AM ET 2009-06-16T13:13:17

The American Medical Association says there's no scientific proof to back up claims of anti-aging hormones.

  1. Don't miss these Health stories
    1. Facebook is now fueling organ donations

      Becky Melton’s “friend” request to Jerry Wilde, a complete stranger in dire need of a new kidney, came with a photo and a gift. The texted photo: a picture of Melton, 28, holding a hand-drawn sign showing two kidneys and a message -- “We’re a match!

    2. Why you should smile at strangers
    3. Grill, drive, play: Doc's tips for Memorial Day safety
    4. Cheating guys more likely to die of a heart attack
    5. German doctors apologize for Holocaust horrors

At their annual meeting in Chicago on Monday, AMA delegates adopted a new policy on products such as HGH, DHEA and testosterone used as aging remedies.

With HGH, or human growth hormone, the AMA says evidence suggests long-term use can present more risks than benefits. The risks include tissue swelling and diabetes.

And the AMA says there's no credible evidence that other hormones, so-called bio-identicals, are safer than traditional estrogen and progesterone products.

The traditional hormones are only recommended for menopause symptoms at the lowest possible dose because of long-term health risks.

The AMA says anti-aging hormone promoters need rigorous studies to prove, or disprove, their claims.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Discuss:

Discussion comments

,

Most active discussions

  1. votes comments
  2. votes comments
  3. votes comments
  4. votes comments
  1. Jump to text

    The American Medical Association says there's no...

  2. Jump to discussion

    Doctors: No proof anti-aging hormones work