Hormone decline - Horizon Wellness Clinic

Hormone decline refers to the gradual decrease over time of hormones produced by the endocrine system. As both men and women age, the endocrine system slows down, resulting in lower levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and growth hormones. Some key things to know about hormone decline include:

• It's a natural part of the aging process. Hormone levels peak during the teens and 20s, after which they slowly taper off year after year. Women undergo a more abrupt change during perimenopause and menopause.
• It affects major hormones. In women, the drop includes reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. In men, there's a slow drop in testosterone. Other affected hormones are DHEA, melatonin, growth hormones, and thyroid hormones.
• It produces a range of unpleasant symptoms. Both men and women can experience symptoms like low libido, fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, loss of muscle mass, and weaker bones.

So why exactly does your body produce fewer hormones over time? Well, your endocrine system is closely tied to your reproductive system. Your hormones are essentially signals telling your organs and tissues how to function properly. As you pass your reproductive years, your body gradually reduces those signals. Disease, poor lifestyle habits, and high stress can also disrupt your endocrine system and accelerate decline. If you're experiencing unpleasant perimenopause or andropause symptoms, know that you have options:

• Hormone therapy can provide short-term relief by restoring hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone to more optimal levels
• Lifestyle changes to diet, exercise, sleep and stress can help balance hormone levels
• Complementary medicines like herbs, vitamins, and bioidentical hormones may ease the transition

I know hormone-related symptoms can really disrupt your quality of life. But try to remember this decline is simply part of natural aging. Working holistically with your doctor at Horizon Wellness Clinic, you can absolutely find ways to make this transition smoother and remain energetic into your later years!