When your hormones are in balance, your body runs smoothly—you feel good, your metabolism is working as efficiently as it can, and you often look better too.
However, when your hormones are out of balance, they can lead to a wide range of symptoms and health issues.
In this post, you’ll learn about the typical ages when hormonal imbalances start for both men and women, but first, it’s important to understand the natural hormonal shifts men and women go through as they grow and age.
Hormonal Changes in Women
Women undergo a number of natural hormonal changes throughout their lives that can be a catalyst for a hormonal imbalance.
Puberty
For girls, the first significant hormonal change occurs during puberty, typically between the ages of 8 and 13.
During this time, the body starts producing more estrogen and progesterone, which trigger the development of breasts, the growth of pubic and underarm hair, and the onset of menstruation.
Some common issues that can arise during puberty include:
- Acne: Increased hormone levels can stimulate oil production in the skin, leading to breakouts.
- Irregular periods: It's normal for menstrual cycles to be somewhat irregular during the first few years after menarche (the first period).
- Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to emotional ups and downs.
If you're a parent of a teenage girl, it's important to provide support and education during this time, but it’s also possible that—especially if your daughter has bad PMS—hormone therapy can help.
Pregnancy and Postpartum
All women experience significant hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, your body produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone to support your baby, which can lead to symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue, and mood changes.
After giving birth, hormone levels drop dramatically, which can contribute to postpartum depression and other emotional challenges. If you're pregnant or postpartum, prioritize self-care and seek support from loved ones and healthcare providers.
Perimenopause and Menopause: The End of Reproductive Years
As you enter your 40s and 50s, you’ll start to experience the symptoms of perimenopause, the transition period leading up to menopause. During this time, your estrogen levels can fluctuate widely, leading to symptoms like:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes and irritability
Menopause occurs when you’ve gone 12 months without a period. At this point, your ovaries have stopped producing estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to long-term health problems like bone loss and increased risk of heart disease.
If you're experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, there are many treatments that can help, from lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Talk to your healthcare provider about your options and what might work best for you.
Hormonal Changes in Men
While hormonal changes in men may be less well-known than those in women, they can still have a significant impact on your health and well-being.
Testosterone Decline: Andropause and Beyond
Starting in your 30s or 40s, your testosterone will start to gradually decline. This is called andropause or "male menopause." While not as sudden or dramatic as the hormonal shifts that occur in women during menopause, low testosterone can cause symptoms like:
- Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat, particularly around the waist
- Mood changes, including depression and irritability
If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can order hormone tests to check your testosterone levels and recommend treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Other Hormonal Imbalances
Both men and women can experience a wide variety of hormonal imbalances that aren’t related to sex hormones.
Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances in both men and women.
While hyperthyroidism usually crops up between the ages of 20 and 40, hypothyroidism is more common in people over the age of 60.
Graves’ disease, a common thyroid disorder, often occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, but thyroid disorders can develop as early as childhood or well into old age.
Adrenal Disorders
The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which help regulate stress response, blood pressure, and metabolism. Adrenal disorders can lead to a range of symptoms, from fatigue and weight loss to high blood pressure and anxiety.
Adrenal disorders, including Addison’s disease, usually are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50.
Insulin Resistance
When the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, it can lead to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is often associated with obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise, and it’s usually diagnosed after age 45.
PCOS (Women Only)
Though limited to women, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, usually starting at the same time as puberty (though it’s usually diagnosed when women are in their 20s and 30s, often as a result of attempting to get pregnant).
It’s characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts in the ovaries and an imbalance of reproductive hormones, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone.
If you're experiencing the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, talk to a healthcare provider who specializes in hormone replacement therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term health complications.
Maintaining Hormonal Health: Tips for Men and Women
While some hormonal changes are inevitable as you age, there are steps you can take to support hormonal health throughout your life.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and high-sugar foods, which can contribute to insulin resistance and other hormonal imbalances.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity can help you regulate your hormone levels, boost your mood, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and contribute to a range of health issues, including adrenal fatigue. Practice stress-management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial for hormonal regulation. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night, and establish a consistent sleep routine.
Get Help with Your Hormonal Imbalance
If you suspect that you may have a hormone imbalance, your next step is to get your hormone levels tested.
Learn more about HRT for women or TRT for men here. You can also schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss getting your levels tested.