Our bodies undergo many changes as we age. These include the altered levels of sex and other types of hormones in both men and women. However, such age-related endocrine changes are more noticeable in case of women. For example, menopause occurs when female sex hormone levels rapidly decline in women aged between 40-60. Its symptoms such as irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, changes in skin and hair, and sleep problems are conspicuous and affect all women. Alternatively, andropause is a slow and gradual process.

Men with low testosterone levels are more vulnerable to it. Diagnosing andropause may require clinical tests as its symptoms (baldness or thinning of the hairline, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, low energy, etc.) are also common in other health conditions. Clearly, Endocrinologic changes and aging are linked. However, these are more pronounced in women because of their biological make-up. So, which other hormones cause aging in women? Scroll down to know more.

Estrogen

For better and worse, estrogen is the gamechanger in women’s lives. In addition to normal sexual and reproductive function, it contributes to women’s bone health, cognitive health, cardiovascular function, and other essential bodily processes.
The various effects of estrogen loss following the menopause include:
1. gradual bone loss
2. increased risk of heart disease
3. urogynecology issues such as urinary tract infection and bladder weakness,
4. and lowered metabolic rate making fat loss difficult.

What happens when a female is estrogen deficient?

However, the most visible signs of estrogen deficiency-led aging are atrophic skin changes and faster skin aging. Estrogens affect skin physiology, sebum secretion, angiogenesis, and wound healing. When estrogen levels fall, the natural defense mechanism against oxidative stress also goes for a toss. It causes collagen insufficiency, leading to thinner, wrinkle-prone, less elastic, and dry skin. Hormone replacement therapy being used to treat age-related estrogen loss, whereas rejuvenating skin treatments are effective in treating menopause-related signs of aging.

Progesterone

Progesterone is responsible for reproductive processes (pregnancy, breastfeeding), skin elasticity, healthy sleep cycle, boosting immunity, and improving brain function. It fluctuates throughout the life cycles of women. Progesterone imbalance because of obesity, hormonal problems, or fibrosis can lead to symptoms typically linked to aging, such as insomnia, foggy thinking, and moody swings. Menopausal women are advised to use micronized progesterone (MP) in addition to estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT) to treat signs of aging skin and hair.

Melatonin

Melatonin, aka the sleep hormone, regulates the internal body clock. However, it plays a significant role in several other metabolic functions. It also includes immune system support, anti-inflammatory defense, and antioxidant and neuroprotection. Generally, melatonin levels fluctuate throughout life for many reasons.

Some of them includes:
1. exposure to blue light at night
2. specific dietary choices
3. aches and pain
4. mood disorders
5. neurobiological conditions.

What does lack melatonin cause?

However, in women, melatonin levels drop rapidly during perimenopause and menopause. This puts women at the risk of insomnia, lack of concentration, daytime fatigue, and irritability.  The lack of adequate sleep accelerates aging and contributes to low satisfaction with appearance.

In addition to aging, plummeting melatonin levels increase the likelihood of developing menopause-associated chronic sleep issues, such as sleep apnea, insomnia with concurrent or developing depression, and fibromyalgia. So, is there a solution? Yes. Doctors generally recommend melatonin supplements to help women cope with changes related to melatonin loss coinciding with menopause.

Here are some good natural sources of melatonin:

1. Portobello mushrooms

2. sprouted seeds

3. pistachios

Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates metabolism, immune response, and other bodily functions. It is also known as the stress hormone or the body’s built-in alarm that activates in stressful situations. However, the cortisol secretion alarm, like all other alarms, must be turned off. When you are under constant stress, your body produces more cortisol. Higher cortisol levels over a prolonged period affect menstruation as they lower estrogen.

Further, cortisol breaks collagen and elastin down, thus causing fine lines and wrinkles. Chronic stress also negatively impacts the body’s immune system, contributing to inflammation and a debilitating effect on the body’s ability to repair itself.

Constant worry, tensing, and anxiety cause skin elasticity loss and premature aging due to glycation. This biological process occurs when insulin resistance raises blood sugar levels.

Exercise, meditation, being more socially active, and following a skincare routine help manage stress and its effects on aging. Check this website for more tips on managing stress.

Thyroid

The thyroid gland secretes several hormones, including thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. They influence the body’s metabolism, growth, and reproductive function in women.

An underactive or overactive thyroid causes hormonal imbalance in women. For example, thyroid disorders could be one of the reasons for the onset of menopause before age 40 or in the early 40s. However, clinical tests are required to diagnose early menopause because some symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to those of early menopause.

The symptoms of an overactive thyroid include irregular or no periods, insomnia, hot flashes, and mood swings. Timely diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism may help prevent early menopause. Hyperthyroidism may also cause physical signs of aging, for example,
1. premature greying of hair
2. hyperpigmentation
3. hair loss.

Similarly, hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid also contributes to aging as it affects skin and hair, and other bodily functions.

Collagen degeneration, dry skin and hair, paleness, and change in skin texture are the common effects of hypothyroidism that can make you look older. Fortunately, most women with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respond well to conventional treatments.

Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS)

DHEAS supplements are a rage for a reason. It is a biomarker particularly significant in women’s health and physiology. DHEAS levels naturally decline as women age. So, what exactly is DHEAS? It is a molecule that our bodies modify naturally to store in the blood.

Steroid sex hormones (testosterone in men and estradiol in women) are synthesized from DHEAS and help men and women maintain sexual function, bone health, muscle mass, and energy levels.

Why is DHEAS essential for women’s well-being? When women reach menopause, their ovaries stop producing estrogen, leading to numerous physiological changes. DHEAS then remains the only source of sex hormones in women.

Low DHEAS also indicates pituitary and adrenal function issues. This has been linked to menstrual irregularities, infertility, weight gain, and fatigue in women. However, that does not mean you can pop DHEAS supplements without consulting your doctor. Too much DHEAS may lead to PCOS, hirsutism, and overactive adrenalin function. As a result, getting your DHEAS levels checked before taking supplements is a good idea.

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