How Aging Affects Hormones in Both Men and Women

September 19, 2024

Hormones and their role in the body

Hormones are the body’s messengers. Once they're released into the bloodstream, they deliver signals to your organs and tissues, helping to regulate many different functions, such as metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, mood, and sexual function.¹

Hormones are made in specialized cellular structures called endocrine glands. These include the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, adrenal, thymus, and pancreas. In men, hormones are also made in the testes, while in women, they’re produced in the ovaries.¹

How Aging Affects Hormones

Natural changes that happen with aging influence how our body works. For example, some tissues might become less responsive to certain hormones and the production of some hormones might vary.²

The hypothalamus is an endocrine gland located in the brain. It produces hormones that regulate the function of various other endocrine glands. While the levels of these regulating hormones remain about the same, the response of the endocrine organs may change as we age.²

The pituitary is located at the base of the brain. The posterior part stores hormones produced in the hypothalamus, and the anterior part produces hormones that affect growth (GH), reproduction (LH, FSH, prolactin), metabolism (TSH), stress (ACTH), and energy levels.² Aging affects many of these hormones, causing different effects in men and women.³

The thyroid is located in the neck, and it produces hormones that regulate metabolism. As we age, the thyroid often develops nodules, and metabolism tends to slow down.²

The parathyroid glands are located near the thyroid. They produce hormones that regulate calcium and phosphate levels. As we age, parathyroid hormone levels tend to rise, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis.²

The pancreas is a large gland located in the abdomen. It produces insulin, a hormone that helps control the levels of sugar in the bloodstream. As we age, our cells become less sensitive to insulin, raising the risks of diabetes.²

The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys, and they produce many important hormones, including aldosterone and cortisol.²

Aldosterone regulates fluid and electrolyte balance, and cortisol controls the body’s response to stress. The release of both hormones drops with age, which can lead to some health issues like lightheadedness and a drop in blood pressure with sudden position changes.²

Hormonal Changes in Women

The most common consequence of aging-related hormonal changes in women is menopause, which marks the end of menstrual periods.⁴

The transition to menopause typically begins around the age of 45 and can take many years. During this phase, the supply of mature eggs declines, and ovulation becomes irregular. At the same time, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases. This drop in estrogen levels can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as:⁴

Irregular periods – Periods may be shorter or last longer. Some people might notice more or less bleeding than usual.

Hot flashes – During the menopausal transition, many women experience a sensation of heat in the upper part of the body.

Loss of bladder control – Some women experience incontinence, which is an urge to urinate or urine leakage during normal activities.

Sleep problems – Women going through menopause often experience trouble sleeping. Night sweats can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep.

Mood swings – During this phase, women may feel more irritable, anxious, tired, or sad.

Lower sexual desire – The vagina may become drier during menopause, which can make sex uncomfortable or even painful. Some women also experience a decrease in libido.

Changes in weight and body composition – It's common for women to lose muscle and gain fat, especially in the tummy region.

Bone loss and increased risk of fractures – menopause can raise the chances of losing bone mass and experiencing fractures.

If you're experiencing menopause symptoms, talk to your doctor so they can recommend a treatment plan that works for you. This will usually involve a combination of lifestyle changes and medications like hormone therapy and other prescription medications.⁴

Here are some general recommendations for women going through menopause or menopausal transition:⁴

Do regular physical exercise.
Eat a balanced diet. Include more foods with phytoestrogens in your diet, such as soybeans, chickpeas, and lentils.
Keep a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking.
Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.
Find ways to relieve stress. Join a support group or talk to a therapist.

Hormonal Changes in Men

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in males. It stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sexual and reproductive function.⁵

The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). LH, in turn, stimulates the testicles to produce and release testosterone. The pituitary also releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which plays a role in sperm production.⁵

As men age, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis declines, along with the function of Leydig cells in the testicles, which are responsible for producing testosterone. This leads to a decrease in both testosterone levels and sperm production.⁵

Signs and symptoms of low testosterone in aging men include:⁶

Erectile dysfunction
Reduced libido
Hot flashes
Low sperm count and infertility
Mood problems and difficulties with memory and concentration
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Increase in body fat
Enlarged male breasts
Sleep problems
Bone loss

If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, talk to your healthcare provider. Treatment typically involves testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).⁶

Key takeaways

Hormonal imbalances are common with aging and can affect men and women in different ways. If you notice signs of a hormonal imbalance, it's important to find help. In most cases, medications and healthy lifestyle habits can help alleviate the symptoms.

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