Ideas of India 2026: Dr Ambrish Mithal On How Hormones Could Impact Your Lifespan

Ideas of India 2026: ABP Network’s Ideas of India Summit, running since February 27 in Mumbai, has brought together influential voices from politics, cinema, business, and beyond. For the session titled, “Can Hormones Help You Live Longer? The Quest For Eternal Youth”, Dr Ambrish Mithal, who is an author and endocrinologist, shared his insights. Actor Gul Panag moderated the session. 

GLP-1, HRT In Women, TRT In Men

He began the session with a presentation that explores three main areas - Difference between living longer and living better, HRT and TRT, and GLP-1.  

“Our life expectancy today is around 70 years, compared to just 31 years in 1947,” he started the session. While improved nutrition, vaccination, and healthcare have contributed to longer lives, he stressed that “living longer also exposes us to conditions we never saw before, because there weren’t many older people”.

He emphasised the importance of healthy ageing, not just lifespan. “It’s not just about the number of years you live, but how many of those years are healthy and active,” he said.

Dr Mithal discussed three main areas. These are GLP-1 and metabolic health, HRT in women and TRT in men. 

1. GLP-1 and Metabolic Health: Hormones like GLP-1 are reshaping how we manage diabetes and weight, not only aiding weight loss but also improving overall metabolic health.
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Women: He explained that women experience a sharp decline in estrogen during menopause, which impacts heart health, bone strength, and more. “Not all menopausal women have the same experience,” he noted. HRT can help prevent osteoporosis and other health issues when used under medical supervision. He also addressed concerns about safety: “If used in younger women within 10 years of menopause, studies show benefits far outweigh risks.”
3. Testosterone in Men: Unlike menopause, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone, affecting energy, muscle strength, and sexual health, he said. Dr Mithal emphasised that replacement therapy should be carefully monitored by an endocrinologist, and cautioned against random, unsupervised use.

Dr Mithal stressed that proper management of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol can significantly improve lifespan. He underscored that while hormones may help in specific cases, lifestyle and disease management remain the foundation of healthy ageing. 

Is HRT Still The ‘Villain’?

Gul Panag raised the long-standing concerns around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), questioning its controversial past and sudden revival. Dr Mithal acknowledged that HRT was once widely feared but explained why perceptions are shifting.

“The data was re-analysed in 2024, and it clearly showed that women in their 50s, within 10 years of menopause, did not face the risks that were earlier assumed,” he said.

He added that modern HRT uses bioidentical hormones, molecules that closely match those naturally produced by the body, significantly reducing earlier concerns. “We are now using hormones that are identical to what the body produces, along with micronised progesterone. The side-effect profile is dramatically different,” he explained.

Dr Mithal also pointed out that delivery methods matter. “If you use transdermal patches instead of oral tablets, you avoid the clotting risks associated with liver metabolism.”

However, he cautioned against indiscriminate use.

“HRT should ideally be prescribed by an endocrinologist or an experienced physician. It should not be denied to the right patient at the right time, but it must be used appropriately.”

He also voiced concern about online prescriptions and misinformation. “Social media is powerful for spreading awareness, but the ability of the reader to distinguish credible advice is limited.”

The ‘Red Carpet’ Shift Of GLP-1 Drugs

Panag then addressed what she called the “red carpet elephant in the room” - the movement of GLP-1 drugs from diabetes clinics to the red carpet. “When a metabolic drug becomes a lifestyle drug, does medicine lose control of the narrative?” she asked.

Dr Mithal agreed that these drugs have moved beyond medical spaces. “Originally developed for diabetes, but are also very good for weight loss,” he said. 

He added, “GLP-1 medications are now widely used for weight loss.” 

When Panag said that there is no supplement for regular exercise, good sleep, and healthy eating and that pharmacology cannot replace discipline, Dr Mithal shared two aspects. 

“When you talk of longevity, the best hacks are the same that we were told from childhood - eating healthy, exercising regularly, sleeping well, no smoking, no alcohol, reducing stress,” he said, adding that these are the best hacks to maintain an ideal body weight.

The discussion also touched on testosterone therapy and the growing biohacking trend. Dr Mithal clarified that midlife testosterone decline in men is gradual, unlike menopause in women, and treatment must be evidence-based.

He added that when doctors treat patients with GLP-1, even if they lose weight, their testosterone improves. “So, testosterone is linked to metabolic health.”

Ideas of India Summit 2026

ABP Network kicked off Ideas of India 2026 on February 27 in Mumbai, with this year’s theme, “The New World Order”. The two-day summit brings together leaders and influencers from across industries, who shared their insights on a wide range of topics.

The summit takes on added significance as India approaches 2027, marking 100 years of independence, making it a timely platform for reflection and discussion on the nation’s future.

Who is Dr Ambrish Mithal?

Dr Ambrish Mithal, a Padma Bhushan award-winning endocrinologist, earned his MBBS from GSVM Medical College and a master’s degree from AIIMS, Delhi. He began his career at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, and later worked at Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi. In 2009, he joined Medanta - The Medicity as Chairman of the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, a role he held until 2019. He currently serves as Chairman and Head of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at Max Healthcare.