Hormone decline

What is hormone decline?

Hormone levels naturally decrease as we age, a process known as hormone decline. Some of the key hormones that decline are:

• Testosterone - The primary male sex hormone, testosterone plays a vital role in muscle mass, bone density, sex drive, energy levels, and more. Testosterone levels start decreasing after age 30 by about 1% per year. Low testosterone (low T) can cause symptoms like low energy, reduced strength, and low libido.


• Estrogen - The primary female sex hormone, estrogen is involved in reproductive health, bone strength, heart health, skin elasticity, and more. During perimenopause and menopause, women's estrogen levels drastically drop, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.


• Growth hormone - Growth hormone (GH) is involved in muscle and bone mass, metabolism, and cell repair and regeneration. GH production starts dropping around age 30, resulting in less energy, decreased muscle tone, and increased belly fat.

Possible causes of hormone decline include:

• Aging and reduced function of hormone-producing glands like the ovaries, testes and pituitary gland


• Lifestyle factors like poor diet, excess body fat, inadequate exercise, smoking, and high alcohol intake


• Chronic stress


• Certain medical conditions

The symptoms of hormone decline vary for men and women based on which hormones are affected. Common complaints involve declines in energy, physical ability, sex drive, mood, memory, quality of life. Hormone levels can be assessed with blood tests.

While some degree of hormone decline is inevitable, the Hormone Health Center offers individualized hormone therapy programs involving bioidentical hormone replacement to help both men and women look and feel their best at any age. Backed by cutting-edge science, our expert medical team uses precision testing and personalized treatment plans to target hormone decline at the root cause.

Want to learn more about optimizing your vital hormones and stopping age-related declines? Book a consultation today at Hormone Health Center. Our state-of-the-art Pittsburgh clinic specializes in safe, natural bioidentical hormone therapy to help you achieve sustained health, wellness and peak performance for years to come. Invest in yourself - it's never too early or too late!