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 through menopause and andropause (also called male menopause).
Some key things to know about hormone decline:
- It's a normal part of aging, but the symptoms can significantly disrupt quality of life when hormone levels drop below optimal ranges. Common symptoms include low libido, hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, mood changes, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, brain fog, and more.
- Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress levels and sleep patterns can hasten or modulate the rate of hormone decline. Optimizing these areas proactively can help ease the transition.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an option, involving taking bioidentical hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone to supplement and stabilize hormone levels. Treatment is customized based on lab testing hormone levels. Done well and under the guidance of specialized doctors, HRT can effectively alleviate symptoms and dramatically improve feelings of health and vitality. However, risks include increased chances of stroke, blood clots and breast cancer in women. For men, risks include prostate issues. Risks must be assessed carefully by each person and their doctor.
- At Renew Hormone Clinic, our expert physicians use to diagnose hormone imbalances and then customize bioidentical hormone replacement therapy using to restore hormones to optimal levels. We build highly personalized treatment plans based on your unique health goals, with regular followup and monitoring.
In summary, hormone decline is normal, but support for managing the transition is crucial. Through HRT or making proactive lifestyle changes, people can continue living vibrant, energetic lives even as they age. At Renew Hormone Clinic, we're pioneers in the safe and effective use of bioidentical hormones to help both men and women thrive through hormone shifts.
I've aimed to provide a high-level overview here, but let me know if you have any other questions! I'm always happy to chat more about optimizing health and hormones at any age.