It’s common knowledge that our hormones change as we get older, but do you know exactly what changes occur?
Hormones are produced by the endocrine system and then secreted into the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, the hormones are distributed throughout the body into various organs and tissues.
As we age, the levels of certain hormones rise and fall as our organs and tissues begin slowing down. The following changes are common in most people:
- The pituitary gland, which both stores and produces hormones, reaches its maximum size at age 20, then gradually becomes smaller with age.
- The thyroid gland, which produces hormones that control the metabolism, reduces its function starting at about age 20.
- The parathyroid glands affect calcium and phosphate levels, which impact bone health. Parathyroid hormone levels rise with age, possibly leading to osteoporosis.
- Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps transport sugar into cells to be used as energy. Starting around age 50, our cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin, and it causes sugar to remain in our bloodstreams at dangerously high levels.
- The adrenal glands are located near the kidneys and produce:
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- Aldosterone
- Cortisol
- Dehydroepiandrosterone
All three of these hormones decrease with age, causing varying effects on the body. Aldosterone, for example, can bring on orthostatic hypotension as its levels fall.
- The reproductive organs, specifically the ovaries and testes, both produce hormones that reduce in levels as we age. Men experience a drop in testosterone levels, while women lose estrogen and estradiol.
Get Your Hormones Checked Today
If you believe you’re having age-related hormone changes, the team at TLC Medical is here to help! Schedule an appointment with us today to have your hormone levels checked and receive individualized guidance on how to improve any symptoms. Call (813) 874-1852 or contact us online to get started today!
