Aging is a natural part of life that is accompanied by various hormonal changes in our bodies, changes that vary quite a bit between men and women.

Because men and women have such different balances of hormones in their bodies, the changes they experience are in many ways unique to their underlying mix of hormones.

Understanding the signs of aging that result from changes in your hormones can help you better manage your health and well-being. In this article, you’ll learn about some common hormonal changes that come along with aging and their effects on both men and women.

Hormonal Changes in Women

Two primary female sex hormones are—estrogen and progesterone. While they play an outsized role in a woman’s experience while aging, they are not the only sex hormone that can have an impact.

Just as men have a small amount of estrogen in their bodies that’s crucial for the proper functioning of an entire range of bodily processes and organs, women also have a small amount of testosterone that functions in much the same way.

However, most women are more familiar with the most profound hormonal transition that ever takes place in a woman’s life: menopause.

Menopause

One of the most well-known hormonal changes in women is menopause (and the time period that comes before it, known as peri-menopause), which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and is characterized by a significant decline in estrogen and progesterone and testosterone.

Symptoms include:

• Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed face, are common. These can occur at any time, day or night.
• Night Sweats: Intense sweating during sleep can disrupt rest and lead to fatigue.
• Mood Swings: Fluctuating hormone levels can cause increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
• Vaginal Dryness: Reduced estrogen levels can lead to decreased lubrication, causing discomfort during intercourse and increasing the risk of infections.
• Bone Density Loss: Lower estrogen levels can lead to a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Decline in Testosterone

While testosterone is often considered a male hormone, women also produce it in smaller amounts. As women age, their testosterone levels can decline, affecting various aspects of their health.

Symptoms of declining testosterone include decreased libido (sexual desire) and muscle weakness due to a loss of muscle mass and strength.

Hormonal Changes in Men

Starting as soon as your early 30s, men’s testosterone levels begin to decline by about 1% a year. This decline is known as andropause and can ultimately lead to clinically significant low testosterone levels.

Andropause

Andropause, sometimes called male menopause, typically begins in the late 30s to early 40s and continues as men age, though it can start earlier or later.

Importantly, if your testosterone levels are already near what would be considered clinically low (below 300 ng/dL), you might begin experiencing the symptoms of low T much earlier than your peers.

Some men even experience the symptoms of low T above this number as the “normal range” of 300 to 1000 ng/dL is extremely large. For example, if your average testosterone level in your 20s is near 1000 ng/dL, dropping down to 700 ng/dL could feel the same as someone who starts at 400 ng/dL and drops well below 300 ng/dL.

This is why hormone testing should only be a beginning—the primary concern should be your symptoms.

Symptoms of andropause include:

• Reduced Libido: Lower testosterone levels can lead to decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
• Decreased Muscle Mass: Men may notice a reduction in muscle strength and an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen.
• Fatigue: Persistent feelings of tiredness and low energy are common.
• Mood Changes: Increased irritability, depression, or anxiety can occur due to hormonal changes.

Growth Hormone Decline

Growth hormone production decreases with age, affecting muscle mass, skin elasticity, and overall energy levels.

Symptoms include:

• Reduced Muscle Mass: Decreased strength and muscle tone are typical signs.
• Increased Body Fat: Men may experience weight gain, especially around the midsection.
• Thinner Skin: Reduced skin thickness and elasticity can lead to more wrinkles and sagging.

Common Hormonal Changes in Both Men and Women

Some hormonal transitions are common to both sexes. However, in many cases, restoring natural levels of testosterone or estrogen can help with these issues.

Insulin Resistance

As we age, our bodies can become more resistant to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of insulin resistance include:

• Weight Gain: Particularly around the abdomen, weight gain is a common sign of insulin resistance.
• Fatigue: Increased tiredness and low energy levels can result from poor blood sugar regulation.
• Increased Thirst and Urination: These are common signs of diabetes and should be monitored closely.

Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, can become less active with age, leading to hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Weight Gain: Difficulty losing weight can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.
• Cold Intolerance: Feeling cold more easily than before is a common symptom.
• Dry Skin and Hair: Reduced moisture and increased brittleness can occur.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and low energy are typical signs of hypothyroidism.

Cortisol

Cortisol, the hormone responsible for your stress response, can be impacted by aging and chronic stress. Symptoms of increased cortisol levels include:

• Weight Gain: Weight gain around the stomach can be a sign of elevated cortisol levels.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common with high cortisol levels.
• Mood Swings: Increased anxiety and depression can result from prolonged elevated cortisol.

Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (NHRT)

While changing your diet, exercising regularly, getting more sleep, and reducing stress can help, it’s not feasible or realistic for everyone, and in many cases, it’s simply not enough to counteract the changes in your body as you age.

For some people, HRT may be the only solution. It can alleviate the severe symptoms of menopause or andropause and usually begins working in just a few weeks. While men often need only testosterone supplementation, women generally need a mix of hormones to relieve symptoms.

Learn More About NHRT

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but understanding the hormonal changes that come with it can empower you to manage your health better. Schedule your FREE consultation to learn more.