Understanding Hormone Imbalance
Posted on: May 24, 2016 in Category: Wellness Guide
Understanding Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalance is one of the most common symptoms associated with aging, but many people don’t realize how early in life hormone fluctuations actually start. Hormones are fluctuating throughout the entire lifecycle, peaking at puberty and then steadily declining later in life. For most, hormones will remain somewhat stable throughout the primary middle-aged years of 20 to 40, but for some hormone production begins to decline even during these early years of life. This is true for men and women alike.
Hormone Imbalance: Men Vs. Women
Hormones are similar in men and women, but are produced at different levels and serve slightly different purposes. The primary sex hormone present in men, testosterone, is also present in women, but in much smaller levels. The same goes the other way with estrogen levels. And while hormone decrease in women is so well-known thanks to the lovely experience of menopause, men actually experience something very similar—but are often left unaware and thereby unprepared.
In Women
Women experience hormone fluctuations monthly with every menstrual cycle. When hormone fluctuations start for real and hormone levels begin to drop, the symptoms may at first feel similar to the common symptoms of PMS. Weight gain, mood swings, skin irritation or rash and fatigue are just a few examples of the types of symptoms that hormone changes can cause.
A slow and steady decrease in hormone production may not feel too overwhelming, but unfortunately in many women the changes are sudden and steep, and so uncomfortable symptoms can develop. This is also the case when it comes to hormone changes in men.
In Men
Hormone imbalance in men can start as young in life as the early 30s, though for many men the symptoms of a problem won’t become evident until the mid-40s. Symptoms often include erectile dysfunction, changes in energy level and mood, and weight gain. The worst part about hormone imbalance in men is the fact that most men just don’t see it coming. Male menopause, known as andropause, can be just as severe and uncomfortable as it is for women.
Treatment Options
Anti-aging therapy offers treatment solutions for both men and women to help them better deal with the symptoms of hormone imbalance. The most common type of therapy, hormone replacement therapy, uses synthetic versions of the hormones that are fluctuating in the body to help reduce the impact that the fluctuations have on the body. Used in conjunction with other wellness and anti-aging therapy programs, hormone replacement therapy can help stave off the signs and discomfort of age and promote a more youthful and healthy lifestyle.
For more information about hormone replacement therapy and other anti-aging therapy programs, talk to your anti-aging specialist.