Road-to-Longevity: May 2025

Friday, May 9, 2025

HORMONES AND THE PURSUIT OF "LIFE EXTENSION" - (part 1)

Produced & Written by: The Mazza Longevity Publishing Group

The study of hormones—endocrinology—is increasingly recognized for its crucial influence on human longevity. While it’s long been associated with managing conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and reproductive health issues, the endocrine system actually plays a vital role in regulating nearly every organ and cellular process in the body. Current research highlights hormonal balance as a key element not only in maintaining health but also in promoting longevity and preventing age-related diseases.

HOW THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM SHAPES LIFESPAN
Hormones function as the body's chemical messengers, produced by specialized glands including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and reproductive organs. These biochemical signals control a wide range of bodily functions, from metabolism and immune activity to emotional health, cognitive performance, and growth. Imbalances in hormone levels are now known to contribute to many chronic illnesses that impair both quality of life and life expectancy.

Take, for instance, diabetes—a condition currently affecting more than 38 million people in the United States as of 2023. This disease stems from disruptions in insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels and energy storage¹. Poorly controlled diabetes can result in severe complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss, all of which can shorten a person’s lifespan by nearly a decade². However, insulin is just one of several hormones that influence aging and health outcomes.

Thyroid hormones are equally critical, as they govern metabolism and support cardiovascular health, bone strength, and cognitive function. Research indicates that even mild, undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction in older adults raises the risk of conditions like atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, and dementia³. Sex hormones—including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—help preserve bone density, cardiovascular fitness, mood stability, and muscle mass, which naturally decline with age and directly impact longevity.

Another key player is cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” While it’s essential for managing acute stress, persistently elevated cortisol levels are associated with high blood pressure, immune system suppression, metabolic disorders, and cognitive decline. A 2020 meta-analysis reported that individuals with chronically high cortisol levels face a higher risk of death from various causes⁴.

Supporting hormonal health through every stage of life is increasingly seen as a strategy for successful aging. A pivotal study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism linked balanced hormone levels with lower rates of chronic disease and improved life expectancy⁵. As a result, more healthcare providers are incorporating hormone evaluations into longevity-focused medical care, particularly for adults over 50, to identify and correct hormonal imbalances before they progress to more serious conditions.

While hormone replacement therapies and targeted endocrine treatments remain essential in clinical care, research supports the value of lifestyle-based interventions for maintaining hormonal health. Factors such as proper nutrition, consistent physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management have proven effective in preserving hormone balance and mitigating age-related decline.

Ultimately, the interplay between hormones and longevity highlights the importance of preventive, integrative healthcare models. As global populations age—predictions suggest that the number of people over 60 will double by 2050—addressing endocrine health will be essential for ensuring those additional years are not just longer, but also healthier and more fulfilling.

References

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2023. Accessed April 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html | ² Diabetes UK. Diabetes and life expectancy. 2023. Accessed April 2025. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/life-expectancy | ³ Razvi S, et al. Clinical relevance of subclinical thyroid dysfunction. Ann Intern Med. 2005;143(8):602–611. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-143-8-200510180-00009 | ⁴ Volden PA, et al. Chronic stress exposure and health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cortisol studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2020;113:104515. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104515 | ⁵ Feldman HA, et al. Age trends in the level of serum testosterone and other hormones in middle-aged men: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;87(2):589-598. doi:10.1210/jcem.87.2.8201

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"Multitalented Host and Producer! Dr. Mazza's THYROID TALK is truly amazing... the way she delivers easy-to-understand education in a way that everyone can enjoy. Dr. Mazza singlehandedly makes me want to learn more about my health and explore longevity. Where WOMEN'S HEALTH has always been such a limited topic with most physicians, Dr. Mazza sheds remarkable light and helps us realize that much of what goes on with our bodies is so inter-related... and connected to the thyroid!" - Sheila Detmers-Cole (NYC)

Top Podcast: Thyroid Talk

Thyroid talk with Dr. Angela Mazza" is an informative program meant to help define and demystify the thyroid gland, and thyroid-related medical conditions. Dr. Mazza is an integrative endocrinologist in Central Florida who specializes in thyroid and hormone health. She is joined by her co-host, Dawn Sheffield, who knows first-hand about thyroid conditions. By providing information in an easy-to-understand format, their goal to help patients better understand the ways in which their bodies work, and to help patients thrive.

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"Thank you, Dr. Mazza for a publishing such a great article on this critical topic! Hormones truly run the show in our bodies — they’re all interconnected. When just one is out of sync, it can throw everything else off balance. Women especially feel this during the transition into perimenopause and menopause, a time when estrogen drops and triggers a cascade of changes. Lifestyle and mindset are two of the most powerful tools to support this shift. The thyroid plays a key role in regulating hormones, and when it’s not functioning optimally, it can impact cortisol and estrogen levels. For many women, these changes raise cortisol levels due to stress, fear, and frustration about their bodies not feeling or looking the way they used to. But a mindset shift — toward more acceptance, love, and understanding — can help rebalance cortisol and ease the process. Lower estrogen also affects bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. That’s why movement, especially weight-bearing exercise, becomes non-negotiable during this phase of life." - Erika Muralidhar

THE GUT-HEALTH CONNECTION: A KEY TO LONGEVITY

Produced & Written by: The Mazza Longevity Publishing Group

As modern science deepens its understanding of the human body, the gut has emerged as a crucial player in overall health and longevity. Often overshadowed by more visible organs, the gastrointestinal system quietly influences nearly every aspect of wellness. Researchers and healthcare practitioners are increasingly recognizing its central role in maintaining systemic balance and resilience.

The Protective Role of the Gut: Barrier and Nutrient Absorption
At the heart of this growing awareness is the gut’s function as a selective barrier. It carefully manages what enters the body from the outside world—absorbing essential nutrients while preventing harmful substances from crossing into the bloodstream. When this protective role is compromised, it can lead to widespread consequences. Impaired nutrient absorption affects cellular energy and metabolism, while increased permeability may trigger chronic inflammation, setting the stage for conditions such as autoimmune disorders, heart disease, metabolic issues, and neurodegenerative illnesses.

Integral to gut health is the diverse ecosystem of microbes known as the gut microbiome. This community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms not only assists in breaking down food but also supports immune defenses and metabolic functions. It’s estimated that a substantial portion of the immune system is influenced by gut activity, highlighting its importance in regulating inflammatory responses. Disruptions in the microbial balance have been linked to persistent inflammation and have been implicated in conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—a thyroid disorder that often resists treatment without addressing underlying gut imbalances.

In addition to its immune-regulating duties, the gut significantly affects hormonal balance and neurotransmitter production. The concept of the gut-brain axis is a rapidly advancing field revealing direct communication pathways between gut microbes and the brain. This connection influences mood, cognition, and may even play a role in the development of diseases like dementia. Similarly, the relationship between gut health and thyroid function, sometimes called the gut-thyroid axis, underscores how digestive health impacts metabolism, hormonal rhythms, and overall vitality.

Recent studies also suggest the gut’s influence extends to bone health, affecting the production and metabolism of hormones and nutrients critical to maintaining bone density. This connection offers new insights into how digestive health may contribute to age-related conditions like osteoporosis.

While the science surrounding these relationships continues to evolve, one thing is clear: gut health deserves far more attention in the conversation about disease prevention and longevity. The human microbiome, which has coexisted with us for millennia, could hold the key to more personalized, effective healthcare strategies. By advancing our knowledge in this area, we may discover novel approaches to managing chronic illness and, more importantly, preventing it.

Conclusion: Supporting Gut Health for a Longer, Healthier Life
In summary, the interconnectedness of the gut with immune function, hormonal balance, neurological health, and bone integrity makes it a foundational element of long-term wellness. Proactively supporting gut health as part of an integrative wellness plan may not only help prevent disease but could also enhance life expectancy and quality of life.

Citations:

Bäckhed, F., et al. (2004). The gut microbiota as an environmental factor that regulates fat storage. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

O'Hara, A. M., & Shanahan, F. (2006). The gut flora as a forgotten organ. Emerging Themes in Epidemiology.

Mayer, E. A., et al. (2014). Gut/brain axis and the microbiota. The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Fukui, H., et al. (2018). Gut microbiota and neurodegenerative diseases. Frontiers in Neuroscience.

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"Congratulations and shoutout to my favorite doctor, Dr. Angela Mazza founder of the Metabolic Center for Wellness in Oviedo, FL. Dr. Mazza has worked with me for years and helped me to overcome issues I was having with my thyroid including Graves Disease. If you or someone you know is struggling with thyroid issues... Be sure to follow her page, listen to her podcast "Thyroid Talk", and order your own copy of her book "Thyroid Talk" from Amazon." - Dr. Aleta Ashford

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Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Guide to Optimal Thyroid Health Paperback – October 11, 2023 | By Dr. Angela D. Mazza (Author) - 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 71 ratings

Are you among the twenty million Americans feeling constantly exhausted, battling creeping weight gain, or wrestling with feelings of depression despite your best efforts? Do you find yourself reminiscing about those days of vitality, wishing you could revert back while simultaneously yearning to forge an ambitious, brighter future? If these challenges resonate with you or your patients, Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Endocrinologist’s Guide to Optimal Health by Dr. Mazza may just be the enlightening resource you've been seeking. Dr. Mazza, triple-board certified in Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, goes beyond conventional medical “guidelines” and “standards of care.” She champions holistic health, tackles the thyroid epidemic directly, and envisions a future where doctors and patients collaborate seamlessly for optimal wellness and weight management.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

The Thyroid-Longevity HEALTHSPAN: Holding the Key to a Longer, Healthier Life

LONGEVITY isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better. In today’s health-obsessed world, longevity has become the new gold standard for smarter, healthier aging. It’s about increasing your "healthspan", not just your lifespan. That means staying active, sharp, and independent for as many years as possible, while sidestepping the chronic diseases and limitations that once felt inevitable with age.

Why the buzz around longevity now? Because we finally have the tools to do it. From early detection technologies and advanced diagnostics to personalized nutrition plans and functional medicine, people are no longer waiting for illness to strike before taking action. Prevention is the new prescription. We’re seeing diet plans rooted in anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods, wearable tech tracking stress and sleep, and precision medicine that tailors care to your DNA. Functional and lifestyle medicine are rewriting the rules of aging — focusing on gut health, hormones, brain optimization, and stress resilience. It’s a smarter, proactive way to take control of your health, extend your prime years, and redefine what it means to age well.

When we think about what keeps us feeling young, energized, and vital into our later years, most of us picture heart-healthy habits, brain-boosting routines, or maybe even an anti-aging skincare ritual. But lurking just beneath the surface of your neck is one of the most powerful—and too often overlooked—players in the quest for longevity: your thyroid.

This tiny, butterfly-shaped gland affects everything from your metabolism and mood to your immune system and bone strength. And as emerging research continues to reveal, keeping your thyroid in balance could add both years to your life and life to your years.

WHY YOUR THYROID IS A BIG DEAL:
Your thyroid produces two essential hormones: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These regulate how every cell in your body uses energy. They influence your body temperature, heartbeat, digestion, mood, and more. When your thyroid isn’t functioning at its best, neither are you.

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can throw your body into disarray—leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair thinning, brain fog, and even serious issues like heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline if left untreated.

And here’s the longevity connection: studies suggest that even subtle thyroid imbalances can shorten lifespan and reduce quality of life, affecting everything from cardiovascular health to immune function.

SPOTTING THE WARNING SIGNS:
One of the challenges with thyroid dysfunction is that the symptoms often sneak up on you. Feeling tired all the time? Gaining weight despite a clean diet? Battling depression or forgetfulness? Many of these signs are brushed off as stress or aging—but they could be your thyroid waving a red flag.

That’s why it’s crucial to be proactive. If you notice persistent symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider and advocate for a comprehensive thyroid panel—not just the standard TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test.

WHY ONE TEST ISN’T ENOUGH:
For decades, TSH has been considered the go-to screening tool for thyroid health. But it doesn’t tell the full story. Many people with normal TSH levels still struggle with symptoms of thyroid imbalance.

A more thorough evaluation should include:

Free T4 and Free T3 — to measure the actual circulating thyroid hormones.

Reverse T3 — which can block the action of T3 when elevated.

Thyroid antibodies — to detect autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.

Cortisol levels — because stress hormones and thyroid function are closely connected.

Getting a complete picture allows for more precise, personalized treatment—which is key to preserving health and longevity.

Source: "Thyroid Talk"- by Angela Mazza, MD

As you can see in Figure 4.1, the thyroid produces and releases thyroid hormone. The two main circulating hormones are thyroxine, T4, and triiodothyronine, T3. Without this tightly controlled feedback loop, the body cannot make thyroid hormone, which wreaks havoc on your metabolism.

THE SURPRISING GUT-THYROID CONNECTION:
You may not realize it, but your gut and thyroid are in constant conversation. In fact, about 20% of your thyroid hormone (T4) is converted into its active form (T3) in the gut. If your gut isn’t healthy, neither is your thyroid.

Conditions like leaky gut syndrome, where the intestinal lining becomes too permeable, have been linked to autoimmune thyroid disorders. And since both chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease can speed up biological aging, keeping your gut in good shape is an essential part of any longevity plan.

How to support your gut? Focus on fiber-rich plant foods, fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, reduce processed sugar, and consider a high-quality probiotic. Your thyroid—and your future self—will thank you.

THE NUTRIENTS YOUR THYROID (AND YOU) CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
Certain vitamins and minerals are vital for thyroid function and long-term health:

Iodine — essential for making thyroid hormones (but both too much and too little can be harmful).

Selenium — protects the thyroid from oxidative stress and helps convert T4 to T3.

Zinc — supports hormone production and immune health.

Vitamin D — low levels are tied to autoimmune thyroid conditions and weaker bones.

Iron and B12 — both crucial for energy, neurological health, and thyroid function.

A simple blood test can check your levels, and dietary tweaks or supplements can keep you in the optimal range.

STRESS: THE SILENT THYROID SABOTEUR
We all know stress isn’t good for us—but it’s especially hard on your thyroid. Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt thyroid hormone production, impair hormone conversion, and make your cells less sensitive to thyroid signals.

Over time, this hormonal tug-of-war leaves you feeling drained, foggy, and off-balance. That’s why stress management isn’t just about self-care; it’s a longevity strategy.

Simple, effective ways to manage stress:

Daily walks or gentle exercise

Mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing

Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)

Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola (with your doctor’s okay)

* In future issues, we shall go deep into defining CORTISOL and its relationship to the thyroid. Cortisol is the most important hormone in the hierarchy of hormones. Cortisol is a steroid vital to many body processes, including the immune response and metabolism. It has a key regulatory role in helping the body respond to stress of all kinds.

RETHINKING HOW WE APPROACH THYROID CARE: SMALL GLAND, BIG IMPACT
For too long, medical care has treated thyroid issues as black-and-white: treat only when lab numbers fall outside the “normal” range. But health isn’t about numbers—it’s about how you feel and function.

A growing number of integrative and functional medicine practitioners recognize that optimizing thyroid health, gut health, stress levels, and nutrition together has the potential to dramatically improve energy, immunity, cognitive sharpness, and, yes, lifespan.

Your thyroid might be tiny, but it has a huge say in how well—and how long—you live. The good news is that many of the tools to support this vital gland are already in your hands. From eating a gut-friendly, nutrient-rich diet to managing stress and advocating for thorough testing, you have the power to protect your thyroid health and, in doing so, safeguard your future vitality.

So, the next time you think about healthy aging, don’t just focus on your heart or your brain—remember your thyroid. It might just be the longevity ally you’ve been overlooking.

"I have been dealing with thyroid issues for years and truly wish a book like this had existed when I was first diagnosed. "Thyroid Talk" is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to understand and manage their thyroid health. Dr. Mazza also touches on the emotional struggles of thyroid disease and offers tips on nutrition, stress management, and natural supplements, offering a more holistic view of thyroid care. This book is written for medical professionals as well as patients. I will be referring back to it often!"