Many things change as a body ages, and one of those changes is in hormone levels. Some hormone levels decrease slowly with age while others can drop quickly. Human growth hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and melatonin all decrease with age causing the classic signs of aging most experience including skin wrinkling, difficulty sleeping, loss of energy, vitality, and muscle mass, impaired sexual function, and menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy for anti-aging may or may not be covered by health insurance but can help decrease signs of aging.
HGH
Human growth hormone is known to decline in every animal species as they age. After reaching the age of 23-30, HGH levels in humans decrease about 15 percent every decade. By age 60, HGH levels are typically less than half of what they were at age 25. HGH replacement therapy and peptides that are similar to growth hormone-releasing hormone, such as sermorelin, can help increase levels of HGH. This can help people feel younger and stronger while minimizing the effects of aging. HGH and sermorelin used for anti-aging is not usually covered by insurance. HGH can cost over $1,000 each month, while the cost of sermorelin is typically much less.
Estrogen
Estrogen levels also decrease with age. In women, the levels start declining several years before menopause occurs. One of the most prescribed and researched hormones, estrogen can help treat symptoms of menopause but can also increase muscle mass, energy levels, metabolism, and make skin look younger.
Testosterone
Research has shown that testosterone levels in men peak during the adolescence and early adulthood years. After age 30-40, the levels of testosterone drop gradually at an average of 1.6 percent each year. Testosterone replacement therapy may help improve sexual function, and some report an increase in vitality and energy.
Melatonin
Important for regulating sleep, melatonin decreases gradually with age. This decrease can make sleep less efficient and interferes with circadian rhythm. Melatonin also plays a role in regulating the immune system, which changes with age. Replacement therapy for melatonin can be helpful in treating some sleep disorders and may help slow the process of aging.
A variety of different hormone levels decrease with aging, causing a myriad of changes in the body. Some symptoms may appear slowly and others may come on quickly, depending on how fast the hormone levels decline. Hormone replacement therapy can help address some of the signs of aging.
