Hormone decline is a natural part of aging, but it can start causing symptoms in your 30s and 40s. The key hormones that start to decline are testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone.
What causes hormone decline?
As we get older, our endocrine glands produce less hormones. Some reasons this happens include:
- Aging organs like the pituitary gland, ovaries, and testes function less efficiently at making hormones.
- Lifestyle factors like poor diet, excess alcohol, smoking, and lack of exercise can impair hormone production.
- Chronic stress and high cortisol can disrupt hormonal balance.
- Toxins in foods, water, and the environment interfere with natural hormone synthesis.
What are the symptoms of hormone decline?
Symptoms vary by gender but can include:
- Fatigue, low energy and stamina
- Weight gain, increased belly fat
- Poor sleep, insomnia
- Low libido, erectile dysfunction
- Mood changes, anxiety, irritability
- Brain fog, memory lapses, poor concentration
- Aches and pains, joint stiffness
- Thinning hair, dry skin
For women, symptoms also include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, infertility.
Low testosterone in men and estrogen in women are common as we age.
Growth hormone and
DHEA also start dropping in the 30s and contribute to declines in vitality.
What are treatment options for hormone imbalance?
If you're experiencing multiple hormone decline symptoms, there are solutions:
- Balance your diet - Eat hormone-supporting foods high in healthy fats, protein, fiber. Avoid sugar, processed carbs.
- Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, breathing exercises to lower cortisol.
- Exercise and sleep - Aim for 7-8 hours nightly, and strength training to boost hormones.
- Bioidentical hormone therapy - Hormones identical to your own body's can be prescribed to restore optimal levels. This can significantly relieve symptoms of hormone imbalance when done properly under a doctor's supervision, such as at