Hormone decline - Balance Hormone Center

What is hormone decline?

Hormone decline refers to the gradual decrease in hormone production that occurs as we age. As we get older, our endocrine system begins to slow down, leading to lower levels of key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, and DHEA.

What causes hormone decline?

Hormone decline is a natural part of the aging process. As we reach our 30s and beyond, our hormone levels begin to drop for several reasons:

• The endocrine glands like the pituitary gland and thyroid become less efficient at producing hormones
• Hormone receptors become less sensitive, leading to lower hormone activity
• Some hormone production shuts down entirely during menopause or andropause

What are the effects of hormone decline?

Some effects of declining hormones include:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Poor sleep
• Loss of muscle mass and bone density
• Weight gain and increased body fat
• Low libido and sexual dysfunction
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood changes like irritability or depression

Lower hormone levels affect us systemically. Nearly every cell and organ depends on hormones like estrogen and testosterone to function optimally. So a decline in these key messengers can diminish overall health and wellbeing.

Can hormone decline be treated?

In many cases, yes - hormone decline can be treated. Some options include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Taking supplemental estrogen and progestogen for menopausal women or testosterone for men
• Bioidentical hormones: Plant-derived hormones that are identical to our own hormones on a molecular level
• DHEA supplementation: Taking capsules of the precursor sex steroid hormone DHEA to help boost declining levels
• Lifestyle changes: Improving diet, reducing stress levels, taking certain supplements, and exercising regularly may help support the endocrine system

While hormone decline is an inevitable part of aging, there are treatments available that can be explored with the help of your doctor at Balance Hormone Center. Determining the right solution comes down to examining your symptoms and health history to help supplement what your endocrine system can no longer provide on its own.