Hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout your body via blood vessels and modify cell behavior.

Hormones help you adapt to stress, they increase and decrease your energy expenditure, and they even regulate your breathing and heart rate. As you age, you produce lower amounts of certain hormones — namely testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones. Genetics, chronic stress, excess weight, and certain ailments can impact hormones at any age.

By using bioidentical hormones, synthetic hormones that are recognized by the body, our team at Northview Medical has helped many men and women navigate hormonal fluctuations. Read on to learn about the symptoms of hormone imbalances and find out about available treatments. 

Hair loss 

Nearly everyone experiences some degree of hair loss due to aging. In women, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone with age, which can lead to hair thinning. 

In men, a genetic sensitivity to DHT, a byproduct of testosterone, and genetics can cause hair loss. About 85% of men have thinner hair by the age of 50. 

Dry skin 

Estrogen stimulates collagen, one of the proteins responsible for the elasticity and smoothness of the skin. With less estrogen circulating in the bloodstream, women are more likely to develop fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. 

In men, lower testosterone levels can cause a similar effect on the skin.

Weight gain 

Testosterone is the reason men carry more muscle than women. However, testosterone levels drop with age, as does a man’s ability to build muscle. 

Many studies suggest that low testosterone can cause weight gain in men. Women may also experience weight gain as they reach menopause due to reduced production of estrogen by the ovaries. 

Decreased bone mass 

Insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1, stimulates muscle and bone growth. However, IGF-1 levels decrease with aging. Low testosterone and estrogen levels can also contribute to decreased bone mass and osteoporosis. 

Although a high protein intake can help mitigate some of the losses, some men and women may benefit from fixing their hormone imbalance.

Brain fog and issues with cognition

Brain fog, forgetfulness, and a decline in overall cognition occur in individuals of both genders as they age. 

Estrogen and progesterone stimulate neuron growth in women, and testosterone is neuroprotective in men.

Some men and women may also experience bouts of depression as their hormone levels decrease. This occurs because several parts of the human brain — including the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus — have hormone receptors.

Look and feel good at any age

Humans have been trying to cheat aging since the beginning of time. Although there’s no fountain of youth, there are ways we can help our bodies age gracefully. 

Our team at Northview Medical can help you combat the signs of aging with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). 

If you’re suffering from a hormone imbalance as a consequence of aging, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team will test your hormone levels to determine what type of hormonal imbalance you’re suffering from and whether you’re a good candidate for BHRT.