Hormone decline refers to the gradual reduction in hormone levels that occurs as we age. Key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and growth hormone peak in our 20s and 30s, but beginning in our 30s and 40s, they start to decline. This decline can lead to various symptoms and health issues.
Some key things to know about hormone decline:
- It's a natural part of aging, but the rate and severity can vary significantly between individuals. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress, and sleep impact hormone levels.
- It happens to both men and women, but women experience a more rapid decline during menopause. Men experience a more gradual decline in testosterone called andropause.
- Symptoms include low libido, erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, mood changes, loss of muscle mass and bone density, weight gain, fatigue, reduced mental clarity, and more.
Why does hormone decline happen?
As we age, our hormone producing glands like the
pituitary gland,
adrenal glands,
thyroid gland, testes/ovaries and
pineal gland secrete lower amounts of key hormones. We also have higher levels of
SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) which binds to hormones like testosterone, making less available for the body to use.
What can be done about hormone decline?
If symptoms are negatively impacting quality of life,
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be beneficial for some individuals to restore optimal hormone levels. This can be done through gels/creams, injections, pellets or patches that supply your body with bioidentical hormones to supplement declining natural production.
An alternative approach is to support your endocrine system’s natural hormone production through improved
nutrition, supplements, stress reduction and other
natural therapies. Lifestyle interventions should always be the first line of treatment before considering HRT.
The experienced physicians at
Hormone Health Center specialize in customized programs to detect hormone imbalances through
advanced testing and restore optimal hormone levels through
bioidentical hormones and
lifestyle/nutrition changes. Contact Hormone Health Center today for a consultation to see if our programs are right for your unique needs.
In summary, hormone decline is a natural part of aging leading to various symptoms that negatively impact health and vitality. Supporting healthy hormone levels through nutrition, stress reduction, targeted supplementation and when appropriate - bioidentical hormone therapy, can help alleviate symptoms and restore energy levels, strength, mental clarity and overall wellbeing. Don't accept hormone decline as inevitable - take charge of your health with the help of Hormone Health Center today!