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Understand How Hormones Impact the Aging Process and Achieve Optimal Health as You Age
As people age, a number of hormonal changes occur. This can affect physical, mental and sexual health. Many are turning to hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, to help manage these changes to better slow the aging process. Understanding how hormones affect the body can help you determine if HRT is the best choice for you.
Balancing Key Hormones: Estrogen, Testosterone and Insulin
The three key hormones that impact anti-aging are:
- Estrogen – Estrogen is a female hormone necessary for normal sexual function, preserving bone density, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and managing hot flashes.
- Testosterone – Testosterone is a male hormone that helps maintain muscle mass and strength, aiding in keeping bones strong and helps maintain energy levels and sexual libido.
- Insulin – Insulin helps your body use blood sugar for energy and is necessary to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
When levels of any of these hormones become imbalanced, it can have a profound effect on overall health and further accelerate the aging process.
Why Hormone Levels Decline with Age
As people age, the body’s natural ability to produce hormones declines. As levels drop, the body doesn’t perform at the same optimal level it once did, resulting in age-related conditions such as lower energy levels and libido, muscle weakness, reduced stamina and agility, and declines in cognitive function.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Shifting hormone levels can cause various forms of discomfort. Hormone therapy helps to counteract these imbalances by replacing hormones that the body is no longer producing. It’s an FDA-approved therapy designed to restore hormone levels to optimal levels, helping the body to stay healthier and younger-looking.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy has been used for decades to treat the symptoms of menopause and male andropause. It has been used to help manage hormone deficiencies caused by aging, medication, and natural fluctuations in hormone levels. Many people report:
- an increased level of energy and improved cognitive functioning
- better stress management
- improved libido and better sexual performance
- better muscle strength
- reduced symptoms of depression
- imbalanced hormone levels
- a decrease in wrinkles, sagging skin, and thinning hair.
Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy
While the benefits of hormone replacement therapy can be significant, they may come with side effects. These can include headaches, high blood pressure, irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps, and low levels of potassium. It’s important to talk to your doctor to ensure there are no contraindications to prevent you from becoming a suitable candidate.
The Connection Between Hormones and Anti-Aging
By understanding the connection between hormones and the aging process, you may find that hormone replacement therapy offers a viable solution for countering its effects. After assessing your individual needs, you and your doctor can establish an effective plan of action for restoring optimal hormone levels and improving your overall health, allowing you to enjoy a healthier and more youthful lifestyle.
