The Process of AGING
- Conventional wisdom has programmed us to expect aging and its debilitating effects as inevitable. This is not necessarily true. Research and time-tested therapies prove differently. Over the last decade, studies have redefined “healthy” as “living with the energy and vitality of someone years younger”. Aging is not a disease. It is a natural process that can be managed. While you cannot stop your biological clock, the key is to live out your years with increased energy and vitality despite the challenges of the aging process.
- Hormone levels begin to drop by 1% to 3% each year beginning around age 30. That calculates to a 20%–60% drop by the age of 50. Both men and women rely on a critical balance of estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA (dihydroepiandrosterone) and cortisol. Each hormone overlaps with others to create a synergistic environment for better health and vitality.
- Having diminished hormone levels contributes to a litany of symptoms and a slow, steady deterioration in health. There is diminished libido, waning energy, decreased lean muscle mass and increased body fat, weakened bones and osteoporosis, reduction in skin tone and elasticity, memory lapses, cardiovascular concerns, sleeplessness, irritability and mood swings.
- Modern medicine realizes delaying premature disabilities is viable, since the body’s hormone receptors don’t lose their ability to respond to hormone messages. These receptors are waiting to be filled. Restoring hormonal balance with hormone optimization and healthy lifestyle choices can really help turn the tide.
- Both genders experience menopause. Male menopause (called Andropause) is subtler than its female counterpart. Sparked by a decline in androgens (male sex hormones), male menopause typically begins in the 40s. Testosterone output decreases approximately 1% - 3% a year starting at age 30. Men also begin to form more estrogen, which stores in fat. A typical 50-year-old male at normal weight has more estrogen than his female postmenopausal counterpart. These higher estrogen levels ultimately compete with testosterone for the same receptors, thus making your current levels of testosterone less effective.
