Do you feel more tired, stressed, or irritable than you used to? As you get older, fluctuations in your hormone levels can impact your body and mind in ways you may not realize.
Fortunately, these changes don’t have to be an inevitable part of getting older. At RVA Regenerative Wellness, Jennylle Zanzi, FNP-C, can help you feel your best at any age with treatment options like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
Whether you’re dealing with changes in mood, sleep, or sexual function, understanding the source of the issue is the first step to relief. Read on to learn about five ways aging affects important hormones in your body, and what that means for your health.
The body’s production of sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone naturally decreases over time. These hormones influence a variety of essential functions not only related to sex and reproduction, but also cognition, bone density, muscle mass, and energy levels.
For women, hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, with the most significant decline during the transition to menopause (perimenopause). Low levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, as well as an increased risk for osteoporosis.
In men, a more gradual decrease of testosterone (sometimes called andropause) can also result in noticeable changes. These effects may include erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and a loss of muscle mass.
Getting older often brings new challenges, from major financial decisions to caring for aging loved ones. When your body senses stress, it releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to raise your blood pressure and prepare you for action, even when you don’t have to fight or flee.
Research shows that older adults tend to have a stronger and more prolonged inflammatory response to stress hormones than younger people. Without proper management, chronic stress can contribute to serious health issues, including hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and dementia.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, your body’s process of turning food into energy. While a thyroid disorder can occur at any age, older people have a higher risk of developing one.
Age-related changes can cause the thyroid gland to slow down hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism. Its symptoms include fatigue, constipation, weight gain, and a sensitivity to cold. But in some cases, the thyroid may become overactive, leading to anxiety, heart palpitations, and weight loss.
The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps your body use glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream for energy. However, as you get older, your cells may become less responsive to it — a condition known as insulin resistance.
As cells become resistant to it, your body must produce higher and higher amounts of insulin to get the job done. A chronic overproduction promotes fat storage, hinders weight loss, and increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Melatonin helps control the sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. This hormone works in sync with light and darkness to signal to your body when it’s time to sleep. But after about age 40, melatonin levels begin to decline.
Low levels of melatonin can make it harder for older adults to fall asleep and stay asleep. In addition to daytime fatigue, a consistent lack of restful sleep can also harm your mood, cognitive function, and general health.
While these changes are often a natural part of aging, effective solutions are available to restore balance to your life. By getting to the root cause of your symptoms, Jennylle can create a personalized plan to help you regain your energy, improve your sleep, and feel more like yourself.
Call or click to schedule a consultation at RVA Regenerative Wellness in Midlothian, Virginia, and explore your treatment options.
