Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that regulate nearly every function in the human body. They are produced by the endocrine system, a network of glands located throughout the body.
Hormones control everything from metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood and tissue function. When certain hormone levels decline or become imbalanced, it can have profound effects on one's health and quality of life. Many refer to this natural decline as “hormonal aging”.
Some signs of hormonal imbalance include:
The most common hormonal issues experienced are related to:
When hormonal declines begin causing disruptive symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be an appropriate solution.
Hormone therapy works by restoring hormones to optimal levels – the goal is to mitigate unpleasant symptoms and help one feel their best while aging gracefully.
There are three primary types of hormone replacement:
The route of administration also varies – common options include oral tablets, transdermal creams/gels, sublingual drops, pellets and injections. The pros and cons of each should be reviewed.
Most importantly, hormone therapy should not be a “one size fits all” approach – optimizing one’s hormones requires an integrated analysis of lab testing, family history, lifestyle factors and symptoms.
While most enter menopause between 45-55 years old, perimenopausal symptoms may begin much earlier. Declining testosterone and thyroid levels also frequently impact adults from their 30s-50s.
Some key groups who often seek hormone balancing solutions include:
A wide range of adults aging out of their “prime” years can benefit from optimizing their hormones for an improved quality of life.
While many still focus mostly on menopausal hormone therapy for women, there has been a rapid increase in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men in recent years.
After age 30, men’s testosterone levels decline at a steady rate of about 1 percent per year. Though subtle at first, low testosterone causes the following symptoms over time:
The benefits of TRT can be life-changing by restoring testosterone to youthful levels. Positive effects include:
And most importantly, men report simply “feeling like themselves again” – a reinvigorated sense of health allowing them to feel strong and youthful regardless of age.
Any man experiencing emotional, sexual or physical changes impacting his quality of life owes it to himself to have his testosterone levels evaluated and potentially corrected through TRT.
One’s lifestyle, diet, exercise habits and environmental exposures can substantially influence hormone levels and inflammatory balance in the body.
Some key factors contributing to hormonal declines include:
Certain medications like opioids, antacids and statins also damage hormone-producing glands over the long run.
On the flip side, research shows the following interventions may help support healthy hormone levels:
A comprehensive approach addresses hormone balance through both treatment modalities as well as lifestyle optimization for best results.
Hormone therapy can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats for many women going through menopause. Interestingly, it has also been shown to improve mood, sexual function, and bone and muscle mass in menopausal women when prescribed at appropriate doses under medical supervision.
Due to the slow and subtle nature of hormonal decline, many adults suffer for years before identifying the root cause behind their suboptimal health. They may attribute issues to normal aging, genetics or lifestyle factors when hormonal imbalance is at the core.
The effects of undiagnosed hormone deficiency include:
In short, neglecting underlying hormone issues fails to address the root cause of illness and allows for cascade of additional health problems as one ages.
On the other hand, timely testing and treatment provides sustained benefits:
Regardless of whether one is experiencing menopause, andropause or another hormonal transition, proactively monitoring and correcting hormone imbalance is wise.
Targeted testing and quick action upon declining lab readings are best, but it is never too late to take control of one’s hormonal health.
As a specialized hormone therapy clinic located right here in Quitman, Balance Hormone Clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostics and personalized treatment protocols focusing specifically on hormone balance concerns.
Our unique offerings include:
Feeling drained, anxious, depressed? Gaining weight, losing intimacy, just not yourself? Don’t write it off as “normal aging”. More likely it indicates declining hormones that can and should be corrected.
Take control now by contacting Balance Hormone Clinic for a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your symptoms. Let our award-winning women’s health and anti-aging specialist tailor testing and treatments specific to your needs. Regain the energy, mental clarity and quality of life you deserve, here in Quitman.
Now is the moment you’ve been waiting for - a new chapter focused on realizing your fullest potential regardless of age or gender. We’re ready to guide you towards renewed vibrancy and health when you’re ready to take that first step!
