Hormone decline - HRT Solutions

Hormone decline refers to the gradual decrease in hormone levels that occurs as people age. Some of the key hormones that decline include:

• Estrogen: A group of female sex hormones that peak during the reproductive years and decline sharply during perimenopause and menopause. Low estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and more.
• Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone that peaks in the 20s and then starts to gradually fall by about 1% per year after age 30. Low testosterone can cause low energy, reduced muscle mass, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.
• Growth hormone: This hormone stimulates growth and cell reproduction and helps to maintain muscle and bone mass. Growth hormone levels fall significantly from around age 30 onward. Declining levels may contribute to weight gain, loss of bone density, and loss of muscle mass sometimes associated with aging.

Some key reasons for age-related hormone decline include:

• Changes within the endocrine system itself - the glands that secrete hormones start to shrink and become less efficient with age. For example, estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries, which generally stop functioning after menopause.
• Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and chronic stress can accelerate hormone decline. These negative impacts affect the endocrine system and hormone-producing glands.

The effects of aging hormone depletion can vary. While symptoms like hot flashes and sexual dysfunction can greatly impact quality of life, in other cases low hormone levels may produce no symptoms at all. Hormone therapy consists of taking estrogen, testosterone, or other hormones to treat troublesome symptoms. However, exogenous hormone use has some risks like blood clots, stroke, and fluid retention which should be considered. Some doctors take a more holistic approach by focusing on improving sleep, diet, exercise and stress levels to help remedy hormone issues. Supplements that help address age-related hormone decline in both men and women include DHEA and adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and panax ginseng. Natural progesterone cream may aid some women. Eating cruciferous veggies like broccoli and optimizing vitamin D levels through sunlight and fish oil may also provide small hormone benefits over time. Overall, some decline in hormones is normal with aging. But supporting a healthy lifestyle and managing factors within your control can make a difference. If problematic symptoms arise, consult a doctor at HRT Solutions regarding pharmaceutical or natural hormone therapy options after carefully weighing the risks and benefits.