Here’s What Happens to Your Hormones As You Age – As we age, hormone levels naturally shift, but apart from something like menopause, what else can we expect to experience? Read on to learn what happens to your hormones from age 40 on and what you can do to help support your hormones and overall health as you age.
While we may initially think of estrogen and testosterone when we think of hormones, there’s a lot more to the subject of hormones than just these two. Hormones are responsible for just about every aspect of daily life, from sleep to digestion, metabolism, stress management and energy levels. As we age, some hormone levels naturally shift, which is why things like menopause happen in the first place. But besides menopause, what else happens to our hormones at different life stages?
According to doctors, research hasn’t shown a significant effect of aging on hormones like leptin (the fullness hormone) and ghrelin (the hunger hormone), and, ultimately, we don’t see levels of these change all that much in our 20s, 30s, 40s and so on.
On the other hand, research around estrogen and testosterone, as well as insulin, cortisol and melatonin, suggests otherwise—even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a hormone-related condition. These hormone changes are all normal parts of the aging process and while they may play a role in disease development, there are eating and lifestyle habits you can adopt throughout life to help keep you healthy as you age (more on that later). And, of course, it’s always beneficial to speak with your doctor to find relief from concerning symptoms.
Your Hormones in Your 40s
The mid to late 40’s is when women may expect to experience perimenopause, which is the time leading up to your last period, where estrogen and progesterone levels vary from month to month. These hormone changes can cause irregular periods and may also bring menopause symptoms like hot flashes, weight changes, mood changes and sleep disturbances. However, it’s not entirely clear if perimenopause or menopause are fully to blame for sleep problems or if increasing sleep problems are more related to aging in general and the natural decline in melatonin.
While testosterone levels continue to decline in men, most are still years away from andropause (sometimes called “male menopause”), which is when we see testosterone levels dip more dramatically.
Your Hormones in Your 50s
Estrogen declines by approximately 50% by 50 years of age and dramatically decreases further after menopause in women. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51, but individuals can experience it at different times throughout their 40s or 50s. The decline in estrogen is associated with subsequent declines in muscle mass and strength, decreased libido, hot flashes, mood changes, fatigue, weight changes and joint pain, as well as a higher risk for osteoporosis.
Additionally, estrogen can act as an anti-inflammatory in the body, so lower levels of it during and after menopause can mean an increase in low-grade inflammation. This inflammation may contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis (or plaque buildup in the arteries), cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The same can be said for lower testosterone levels.
So, what should you do with all of this information? While hormone levels naturally change over time, there are some steps you can take to lessen the impact.
- Work with your doctor to find relief from troublesome symptoms. Learning to pay attention to your body early on to notice any changes can be key to identifying issues before they get out of control. The effects of hormonal changes differ from person to person. For some, it may present as a minor concern, while for others, it can be of such significance that it causes disruptions to daily living. Symptoms such as weight fluctuations, fatigue, persistent joint pain, low libido, heart rate fluctuations, changes in bowel movements and even depression are some that should be concerning enough for you to contact your medical provider.
- Watch out for hormone-disrupting chemicals. The toxins you’re exposed to in the environment also play a major role in hormone health. Chemicals known as xenoestrogens can mimic or even change the actions of our hormones. As a protective measure, limit exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, such as plastics made with BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, pesticides, as well as certain beauty and cleaning products that contain ingredients like triclosan.
- Decrease stress. We all know how detrimental stress can be to our health. And because cortisol levels naturally increase as we age, we’ll want to combat that stress through healthy diet and lifestyle habits while also working to eliminate sources of stress from our lives where we can.
- Incorporate strength training. Despite what you may think, cardio isn’t everything. While it’s important to get your heart pumping with various cardio exercises because muscle mass and bone density decrease as we age, incorporating strength training is even more beneficial. Lifting and maintaining as much muscle mass as possible is crucial for aging well and is by far the best thing that you can do for your physique as you get older.
Bottom line: Some hormone changes are a natural part of aging, and while some symptoms can be uncomfortable to deal with, there are ways to help mitigate their impact. And remember, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor about any concerning symptoms.
Want to learn more and take control of your hormones, physique and everything else that goes along with living your best life and aging well? Visit www.ThighsOverThirty.com and let me help you optimize everything related to being the best you can be from age 30 onwards.
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