From heartbeat to respiration and everything in between, numerous bodily processes must occur for the human body to function optimally. And hormones play a part in most, if not all, of them. For reference, hormones are chemicals responsible for coordinating many functions in the body, which they do by carrying messages through the blood and ultimately to organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues.

Numerous glands in the endocrine system are responsible for secreting hormones, some of which include the pituitary, pancreas, pineal, adrenal, and thyroid glands. The hypothalamus and the ovaries in women and the testes in men are also hormone-secreting glands that comprise the endocrine system. Along with heartbeat and respiration, hormones help support and regulate growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and mood. Unfortunately, the human body does not produce or use hormones as effectively after we reach a certain age.

Shedding Light on Hormonal Imbalances

A hormonal imbalance is a medical condition in which someone has too much or too little of a given hormone in their blood. Several factors can cause someone to have high hormone levels. Some of the more notable of these include underlying health conditions, certain medications, stress, puberty, and pregnancy. As far as low hormone levels or an outright deficiency is concerned, aging is the primary contributor. That explains why most men and women struggle with a hormonal deficiency of some kind in middle age.

Such deficiencies can make individuals more susceptible to developing diseases that can take a tremendous toll on their lives. Thyroid disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are some of those diseases, according to data published by the Cleveland Clinic. Infertility can also stem from having low hormone levels. Long before infertility and disease become an issue, however, most people will experience an array of unpleasant symptoms. Whether it is low human growth hormones (HGH), testosterone, insulin, or something else, the following are common hormone deficiency symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Chronic fatigue
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Depression
• Headaches
• Thinning hair
• Weak or brittle bones
• Weight gain

In women, specifically, irregular menstruation, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes are also part and parcel of struggling with a hormonal imbalance. That is especially true for women with low estrogen or progesterone levels. In men, erectile dysfunction often goes hand in hand with low testosterone, human growth hormone, and thyroid levels. Both genders can struggle with low libido if their hormone levels dip too low.

Why Do Hormone Levels Decline With Age?

Many things can alter hormone production in our bodies when we get older, including the blood levels of some hormones. Some will increase or decrease as we age. Hormones also metabolize slower as we age. These events alone can trigger a hormonal deficiency. One of those deficiencies involves the pituitary gland, which usually produces fewer human growth hormones when individuals turn 30. Other organs, like the testes in men and ovaries in women, produce fewer testosterone hormones when individuals turn 40, often for the same reasons. Of course, the slower metabolization of hormones and changes in their blood levels are only partly to blame for hormonal deficiencies and imbalances. Age-related changes involving the hypothalamus also play a role.

How Age-Related Changes in the Hypothalamus Contribute to Hormonal Deficiencies

The hypothalamus, a collection of neurosecretory cells located at the base of the brain, undergoes several changes as we age. And each can affect its ability to regulate organs in the endocrine system. To understand why, we need to know more about the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release or suppress hormones. These hormones include the following:

• Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
• Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
• Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

In response to signaling from the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland also dictates the function of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs, namely the testes in men and ovaries in women. If any of these glands fail to secrete adequate hormones, it can disrupt the body’s homeostasis. That, in turn, increases one’s risk of developing numerous illnesses and diseases. Some of the age-related changes that can affect the hypothalamus and its ability to function correctly, according to most endocrinologists with HGH clinics across the country, include the following:

• Altered intracellular signaling
• Chronic inflammation that destroys stem cells
• Decreased sensitivity to feedback signals
• Epigenetic and transcriptional changes

It is worth noting that stress, aging, poor lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and environmental factors can contribute to and worsen the effects of hormonal imbalances in some people as they age.

Natural and Medicinal Ways To Combat Hormonal Deficiencies

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an excellent way to boost low hormone levels naturally. Examples include consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum, staying hydrated, limiting caffeine consumption, and getting at least 7 to 9 hours of deep, restorative sleep each night can also help.

Once low hormone levels are back within a healthy range, most people experience relief from fatigue, headaches, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms typical of most hormonal deficiencies. In extreme cases, however, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be necessary. For those unfamiliar with it, HRT is a medical treatment that physicians prescribe to patients to replace hormones that their body is no longer producing or producing too little of. The type of medication and dosage can vary depending on the type of hormonal deficiency one has. Some of the ones commonly prescribed to treat low human growth levels, for example, include the following:

• Genotropin
• Humatrope
• Norditropin
• Nutropin
• Nutropin AQ
• Saizen
• Sogroya

HRT medications commonly prescribed to boost low estrogen and progesterone levels include conjugated estrogens, such as Premarin, and estradiol, such as Estrace and Estratab. Climara Pro, CombiPatch, Prempro, Femhrt, and Activella are also common. Lastly, Androgel, Fortesta, Testim, and Vogelxo are some of the more popular HRT medications prescribed to combat low testosterone. While we are on the topic, dietary supplements can also boost some low hormone levels. Vitamins B and D, omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, zinc, and magnesium are a few of the ones nutritionists and physicians recommend the most.

In summary, hormonal imbalances and associated symptoms are among the many various aspects of aging. But there is some good news. From natural and medicinal remedies to healthy lifestyle changes, there are many things we can do to get and keep our hormone levels where they need to be.