What is hormone decline?
Hormone decline is a natural part of aging that happens to both men and women, typically starting around age 30. As we get older, our bodies produce less of key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA and growth hormone. This can lead to various symptoms and health issues.
Some common signs of hormone decline include:
- Low libido or reduced sex drive. This is one of the most noticeable symptoms, as many hormones like testosterone and estrogen influence libido and sexual function.
- Fatigue and low energy levels. Hormones like cortisol, thyroid and growth hormone help regulate metabolism and energy. Declining levels can leave you feeling drained.
- Increased body fat and difficulty losing weight. Hormone imbalance can slow metabolism making weight management more challenging.
- Loss of muscle mass. Testosterone helps build and maintain muscle mass. Lower levels result in muscle loss, especially in men.
- Thinning hair or hair loss. Estrogen supports hair growth and thickness in women. Falling estrogen can lead to hair thinning.
- Sleep disturbances. Hormones like melatonin and cortisol regulate sleep-wake cycles. Imbalances can disrupt normal sleep.
- Mood changes or depression. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and thyroid hormones all influence mood. Declines can contribute to anxiety, irritability and depression.
- Cognitive decline. Estrogen in particular supports memory, focus and verbal skills. Decreasing levels may impact mental sharpness.
- Bone loss. Falling estrogen accelerates bone loss leading to osteoporosis over time. Testosterone also supports bone density.
- Hot flashes and night sweats. These common menopausal symptoms are caused by estrogen withdrawal.
- Vaginal dryness. Declining estrogen levels often result in vaginal atrophy.
When to see a doctor
If you're experiencing multiple symptoms of hormone decline, it's a good idea to see your doctor. They can check hormone levels via blood tests to identify any imbalances. Based on test results, they may recommend lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy or refer you to a specialist like an endocrinologist.
Treatment options
There are a few ways to treat hormone decline:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - HRT provides small doses of hormones like estrogen, progesterone or testosterone to restore optimal levels. This is an effective option, especially for menopausal women.
- Bioidentical hormones - These plant-derived hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones your body makes. Many people find them more natural than synthetic hormone medications.
- Nutritional and lifestyle changes - Diet, exercise, stress management and sleep optimization can help support healthy hormone levels.
- Supplements - Certain vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations may provide mild hormonal support. Always consult your doctor before starting new supplements.
Vitality Health Center - A leader in hormone balance
Located in Austin, Vitality Health Center specializes in customized bioidentical hormone therapy and optimization. Their experienced physicians provide cutting-edge testing to identify hormone imbalances. Based on test results, they create personalized treatment plans to restore optimal levels, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Vitality Health Center also offers nutritional counseling, lifestyle coaching and anti-aging therapies to support natural hormone balance. If you're experiencing bothersome symptoms of hormone decline, contact Vitality Health Center today to schedule a consultation! Their compassionate team is dedicated to helping you feel your best at any age through expert hormone care.