But, there are changes taking place inside our bodies that we can t see. At the cellular level, our hormone production begins to decline as we approach middle age. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, we begin to see the effects of this hormonal shift. We start to notice things like decreased energy, mood swings, memory trouble, decrease in sexual energy and desire, thinning hair, weight gain, and the list goes on. In response to our concerns about how we age, the medical community has focused its attention on the link between the age-dependent decline of certain hormones and the quality of life we enjoy.
Hormones play a critical role in our health and vitality.
One of the best examples of this role is the diminishing levels of ovarian steroids at menopause which can lead not only to immediate symptoms such as hot flashes, but also to long term deleterious health effects such as osteoporosis and accelerated cardiovascular disease. In response to increasing demands from an aging population and a great deal of scientific information, healthcare providers are recommending hormonal supplementation to help maintain vitality and quality of life. When it comes to hormone replacement dosages, one size does not fit all. The way each person responds to replacement hormones is unique. What works well for one may be too much or too little for another.