Posted: November 29, 2024 | admin
Have you ever thought about the incredible function hormones have in your life? They affect the entire body. Hot flashes, fatigue, high blood pressure, depression… Frequent but by no means obligatory companions of changes in hormonal balance with age. The special endocrine system regulates primary processes in the body. Some hormones decrease with age, others fall, and all these main transformations affect the quality of life.
The thyroid gland regulates our metabolism. As we get older, nodules can develop, which may slow it down and increase the possibility of heart disease.
Insulin gets glucose into our cells, but after 50, fasting glucose levels can rise, which might increase diabetes risk. The pituitary gland should also be mentioned. It has two parts: the back part stores hormones from the hypothalamus, and the front part produces hormones crucial for growth and reproduction. It is essentially the body’s control center!
The hypothalamus generates several hormones that regulate the endocrine system, involving the pituitary gland. Hormone levels typically stay consistent, and they can fluctuate as we age. The adrenal glands produce aldosterone. It helps balance fluids. It can decline with age, causing dizziness. Cortisol levels also decline but then remain stable. The effects of lower dehydroepiandrosterone levels are still being studied.
Overall, hormonal levels can fluctuate with age: some decrease, some remain stable, and others may increase. Endocrine substances that often decrease involve:
Hormones that generally remain unchanged or only slightly decrease involve:
Men frequently go through a gradual decrease in their testosterone levels.
Conversely, hormones that may increase include luteinizing, follicle-stimulating, and parathyroid hormone.
Hormones change as we get older. After 40, women might start noticing signs of menopause. This usually means lower levels of such hormones as estrogen or progesterone, which can bring on some changes. Just a natural part of life.
Hormonal imbalances may arise as you approach 40, impacting mood and metabolism. Common issues include:
In your 40s, decreased estrogen leads to signals like hot flashes and night sweats. Menopause, defined as 12 months without a period, can stabilize some markers but increases the long-term risk of osteoporosis, heart issues, and weight management challenges, often leading to increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Despite the hormonal transformations women experience after 40, effective management strategies are available:
HRT helps alleviate perimenopause and menopause symptoms, delivered through creams, patches, or injections. It often contains estrogen and progesterone.
Stick to a diet and exercise regularly. This routine will help you maintain energy and well-being at any age.
Focus on your emotional state. Practice yoga and meditate. Spend time with loved ones. These activities will reduce anxiety and boost your mental health.
This helps to identify problems as early as possible including osteoporosis.
Hormonal balance changes as we age. Men can also go through hormonal changes similar to what women experience during menopause. Healthcare providers have noticed that some men report markers that mirror those seen in women during these transitions.
There is still some debate in the medical community about whether men experience a phase similar to menopause in women. All men experience a natural decline in testosterone. But there is one proven fact. Some men who undergo testosterone therapy have found relief from these symptoms, which are sometimes called male menopause.
Men don’t experience a distinct menopause. Rather, this condition is referred to as androgen decline or low Male hormone. Although testosterone levels naturally decline with age, this decrease is usually associated with conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms of low “male hormones” may include fatigue, weakness, and sexual issues.
So, the relationship between these symptoms and low testosterone is still debated. Unlike women, who experience a complete halt in hormone production, men have a gradual decline. Healthy men can produce sperm well into their 80s.
Changes in testicular function may start around age 45-50, with more significant changes often occurring after age 70.
To diagnose male “menopause,” a doctor will:
If testosterone levels are low, this male hormone replacement therapy may alleviate markers like decreased libido and fatigue. However, this therapy carries risks, such as exacerbating prostate cancer and increasing heart disease risk.
Consult your doctor for personalized advice if considering testosterone therapy, and they may also recommend lifestyle changes to manage signs.
At Neria Medical and Wellness, we focus on optimizing your hormones! We recommend comprehensive assessments starting at age 40 to evaluate hormonal health. Advanced imaging can detect diseases early, making preventive assessments vital even if you feel fine. While hormone levels should ideally match your age, various factors like chemicals in food, water contaminants, and airborne substances can disrupt this balance. When endocrine substances are off, you’ll notice it. Our main goal is to restore hormonal levels for people, involving testosterone, estrogen, or thyroid hormones. We also offer telehealth services for those unable to visit our Central Valley location!
