What is hormone decline?
As we age, both men and women experience a natural decline in key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA. This gradual drop in hormones starts around age 30 and continues throughout life.
Some key things to know about hormone decline:
- It's a normal part of aging, not a disease state that needs treatment. However, symptoms can impact quality of life.
- Both sexes are affected, but women tend to experience more drastic effects from menopause.
- Main symptoms include:
- Low libido
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disruptions
- Mood changes
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Causes relate to changes in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. Essentially, the communication between these control centers gets disrupted.
- Diet, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle changes can help ease the transition. Hormone replacement therapy is an option too.
- It's best to work with your healthcare provider to determine the right treatment options for your individual needs. Blood tests help assess your hormone levels over time.
The key is maintaining a healthy lifestyle at any age. Getting good sleep, eating nutritious whole foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress can go a long way toward supporting quality of life. Be patient with yourself and make self-care a priority during this natural transition.
I tried to cover the basics here, but let me know if you have any other specific questions! Going through hormone changes can be challenging, but resources and support are available at Thrive HRT. Stay positive and be kind to your body. This too shall pass!