Balancing Hormones as You Age

Getting older can be an adventure. Along with greater wisdom and maturity, you may also notice changes in your mood, body, sleep, and more. While you may attribute these changes to different factors, they all share one thing in common: hormones. That’s right, hormones affect all of us – from early childhood and puberty to adulthood and the golden years.  

The good news is that you can feel better and stay healthier by taking some simple steps in your everyday life. This starts by understanding the aging process and ways to balance your hormones.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your knowledge for yourself or a loved one, here are some insights and tips that can help. Plus, learn how retirement living communities can play a role in hormonal well-being and overall health.

The Language of Aging: Hormone Basics to Know

First, what exactly are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through your blood and tell your cells and organs what to do. For example, growth hormones released from the pituitary gland impact growth and metabolism, including fat and muscle mass in adults. Testosterone affects male development. And estrogen maintains female reproductive and sexual health. 

As you age, your body naturally produces less of some hormones and more of others. For instance, older adults tend to have less of the hormone melatonin, which is produced by the body’s response to darkness. This can affect sleep and different age-related diseases. 

To better familiarize you with different hormone changes, here are some common terms. Knowing these can help you communicate with healthcare providers about symptoms you may experience.

• • • Menopause. Menopause occurs when women stop menstruating (starting 12 months after their last period). It marks a milestone in hormonal health and can often be associated with changes in sleep, mood, energy, and other symptoms.
    • Andropause. Sort of like menopause for women, andropause affects men as they age. Usually starting around ages 30 to 40, men typically begin to experience a gradual decrease in testosterone. This can be associated with changes like reduced libido (sex drive), reduced muscle mass, and others.
    • Adrenopause. Adrenopause affects both men and women as they age. It refers to the reduced secretion of hormones by the adrenal glands, including a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Researchers are continuing to seek more information about DHEA and its possible effects on things like bone health, depression, and more.
    • Somatopause. Somatopause is a gradual decrease in the secretion of growth hormone for both men and women. This occurs naturally with aging and can be associated with symptoms like increased body fat, decreased lean body mass, and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol.

Common Physical Changes in Older Adults 

As noted, hormonal changes can impact older adults in different ways, such as:

• • • Reduced sleep quality
    • Decreased libido
    • Obesity
    • Loss of muscle mass and strength
    • Higher LDL cholesterol
    • Fatigue
    • Mood changes

Age-related changes in hormonal levels have also been associated with negative health impacts in areas such as:

• • • Bone health 
    • Aerobic capacity (also called VO2max)
    • Cognitive processes
    • Anemia (low levels of healthy red blood cells)
    • Mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety)

In association with these health impacts, hormonal changes can possibly increase the risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and others.

Tips for Managing and Balancing Physical Changes

It’s natural to feel a little frustrated by some of the hormonal effects of aging. But these changes are a part of life. Also, you can take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone – and you can help balance your hormones with your everyday routine. Steps you can take include:

• • • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Getting regular exercise
    • Managing stress
    • Make sure you get enough sleep
    • Managing your overall health

Proactive Health Management

While hormonal changes happen to everyone, different concerns can sometimes arise that may require special care or attention. Keeping up with your regular doctor appointments can help you stay healthier. It can also provide a chance to ask questions and get more detailed advice on diet, exercise, and any other approaches that may be best for you.

With that in mind, be sure to:

• • • Attend your regular medical checkups
    • Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have
    • Stay up to date with recommended screenings and preventive measures
    • Get help managing conditions like cardiovascular disease 

Along with addressing your physical needs, your doctor can also help you address the impact of aging on mental health. Depression, mood changes, and anxiety can all be serious concerns as you get older – and hormones can play a role. It’s important to know that help and support are available.

Encouraging a Supportive Environment

It’s well-established that social connections positively impact overall health and wellness. When it comes to hormonal changes, having friends and family to lean on (and laugh with!) can be invaluable. 

Talking with peers and knowing that you’re not alone can help you gain different perspectives and find support. Also, having a safe, accessible living environment can make it easier for you to achieve your health goals and strike a better hormonal balance. 

Some ways that retirement living communities can support this effort include:

• • • Dining services to provide healthy, nutritional meals 
    • Opportunities to exercise and stay fit in a fun, supportive setting
    • Social interactions to encourage emotional wellness and reduce stress
    • Mental stimulation to support brain health and cognition

Independent living for seniors can offer a way to enjoy these kinds of offerings while still having the autonomy of living on your own. Here at Era Living, you can find senior housing options to help meet your needs, whether you’re considering senior independent living, assisted living, or memory care.

Staying Happy Through Hormonal Changes

Each stage of life brings unique joys and challenges. Through them all, your hormones play a role, impacting your mood, your body, and your overall health. 

While you cannot stop hormonal changes from happening, you can help achieve a greater balance with your lifestyle choices. If you’re considering a Seattle retirement community and want to learn more about senior housing at Era Living, our team is here for you.