Dealing with Hormonal Failure in Later Years 

As a person ages, one’s hormonal levels may start to become imbalanced, with certain hormones failing altogether. When hormones become imbalanced, it’s possible for an individual to start experiencing a wide array of symptoms that can be difficult to deal with unless you know what to expect and plan accordingly for this eventuality. By knowing how to deal with hormonal failure, you can take the necessary steps to mitigate the symptoms, which should allow you to lead a normal life.

How Hormones Work in the Body

Hormones are substances within the body that regulate the quality of sleep that you get, your immune system and a multitude of additional bodily functions. When the very fine balance of hormones within the body becomes disrupted, your body will start to display adverse reactions to these changes. Hormone production occurs in different areas of the body with men and women. For instance, hormonal production within a woman occurs in the adrenal glands, parathyroid and thyroid glands, the ovaries, and the pituitary gland.

The Difference Between Andropause and Menopause

Women go through menopause while men go through andropause. Both of these conditions will usually occur between the ages of 40 and 60. Menopause directly affects the ovaries, which means that menstruation and ovulation end, and you will no longer be able to have children. As for andropause, the effects of this condition usually include a reduction in testosterone. Your hormone levels will invariably change with both andropause and menopause. There are times when these changes could be substantial and cause hormonal failure.

Types of Hormonal Failures

There are many different hormones that will commonly fail when not enough of the hormone is produced in the body. It’s common for the thyroid gland to stop producing the amount of thyroid hormone that your body needs, which could be due to an autoimmune disorder like Graves’ disease. You could also be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which can occur when your thyroid is underactive.

You might experience adrenal insufficiency when your adrenal gland is no longer producing enough cortisol. If the issue lasts for a lengthy period of time, it’s possible to be diagnosed with a rare condition known as Addison’s disease. To better understand what type of hormonal failure you are suffering from, you first need to understand which hormones are starting to fail. The most common hormones that fail include cortisol, estrogen, thyroid, testosterone, insulin and leptin.

Signs That You Are Experiencing Hormonal Failure

There are many different signs that can indicate that you may be experiencing hormonal failure. The most common signs include nervousness, insomnia, and increased agitation and irritability. You may start experiencing headaches that last for a lengthy period of time and are stronger than you are used to. These headaches will also be more frequent than they have been in the past. Women who are going through a hormonal imbalance may start to see substantial changes within their menstrual cycle, which can include either frequent or irregular menstruation.

At the onset of menopause, the signs of hormonal failure may also include lengthy periods of depression and apathy as well as not being able to pay attention. Sleep disorders can also occur if you start to go through hormonal failure, which will typically involve waking up much earlier than you normally do. In men who are beginning to suffer from andropause, the signs that you are going through hormonal failure include a lack of energy, depression, mood swings and a low sex drive.

How to Deal with Hormonal Failure in Later Years

When you are experiencing hormonal failure in your later years, there are a range of things you can do to properly deal with this condition. If the cause of the hormonal failure is an actual disorder, the most common treatment includes the provision of hormonal drugs in order to increase your levels of whichever hormone is failing. The dosage of these hormonal drugs largely depends on your age, weight and how much of the specific hormone is currently in your blood.

There are also a variety of steps that you can take to better cope with these hormonal changes. If you are experiencing depression or similar issues due to hormonal disruptions, it’s important that you realize how common these problems are and that you’re not alone. Try to focus on hobbies that you enjoy doing and make sure to exercise regularly. Meditation is also a great way to calm your mind and focus on the present. Spend time with others who have a positive outlook on life, which will help to keep your mood positive.