Alleged culprits: The role of hormones in aging

From sleep to sexuality, from skin to hair quality, from weight to height, from body temperature to mood… hormones play a fundamental role in every stage of our life cycle and, of course, in longevity.

Whether we like it or not, we are programmed to age. How we do so depends on many factors, and among them, hormones are a decisive element in our longevity. We come with them as standard, but in addition to genetics, their behavior is also determined by age, lifestyle, and environmental conditions. They constitute a kind of complex information network that controls (or disrupts, if something fails in the system) the functioning of our organism: they govern our emotions, are behind certain diseases, regulate the immune system, affect the state of the skin or hair, as well as our athletic performance and vitality. Ultimately, they are involved in how much and how we live.

But let’s start at the beginning. Do we know what hormones are? “They are substances produced by the endocrine glands that act as messengers to control and regulate a wide range of biological processes. Each hormone is produced in a specific gland and released into the bloodstream to reach specific cells throughout the body, where it acts as a key regulator,” explains Dr. Alicia Justel Enríquez, a specialist physician in endocrinology and nutrition at Beldon Medical. There are more than fifty identified; some are familiar to us (serotonin, insulin, thyroid hormones, oxytocin, melatonin, estrogens, progesterone…), but we barely know of the existence of others. All of them, the expert asserts, are crucial to maintaining the body's balance and the proper function of organs and tissues.

With age, however, hormone production can decrease, which can affect various aspects of health and well-being. “For example, the decrease in the production of sex hormones, such as testosterone in men and estrogens in women, can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, the onset of osteoporosis, and a drop in libido, among others,” clarifies Dr. Justel. Likewise, the drop in anabolic hormones can cause a slowing of metabolism and weight gain with age, as well as a redistribution of body fat, with the consequent increase in cardiovascular risk, the incidence of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, or the appearance of cognitive impairment and memory disorders. But they are also involved in skin sagging or dryness, the appearance of acne, hair density and hair loss, or can trigger an avalanche of processes capable of altering our emotional well-being (irritability, sudden mood swings, or depression).

One of the age-related hormonal changes that most affects women occurs during menopause. During this stage (which marks the end of menstruation and female fertility), levels of estrogens and other female hormones decrease significantly, which can cause a series of symptoms and changes, both physical and psychological, which do not affect everyone equally, and which involve an increase in chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular pathologies. Just because it is a natural process does not mean that when the time comes one should throw in the towel and resign oneself to what comes our way, because, as Alicia Justel points out, a comprehensive medical assessment allows for potential treatments and medical options to be proposed that control symptoms and improve quality of life during this phase.

Men are not exempt from age-related hormonal disorders either. In their case, the process, called andropause, results in a decrease in testosterone levels. However, Dr. Justel comments, it is generally a slower and less striking period; but it is no less important or clinically relevant for that reason. And as with women, andropause can manifest with fatigue, decreased libido, a drop in muscle mass, increased body fat, sleep disorders, irritability, and depressive symptoms. And also, in their case, medical assessment is important so as not to confuse this process with other hormonal disorders also linked to aging.

Can we improve our longevity from a hormonal approach?

Undoubtedly. There are numerous external factors that alter our hormonal balance with negative consequences for our physical and mental well-being. A change in habits can help us, more than we think, to prolong longevity by adding (good) life to our years.

“There are several ways in which you can improve your hormones to improve your longevity,” confirms Dr. Justel. Firstly, the endocrinologist points out the relevance of lifestyle on hormonal levels, which translates into following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Conversely, the consumption of toxic substances—tobacco, alcohol, and drugs—is a factor that alters the regulation mechanisms of our hormones.

Likewise, sleeping enough is fundamental, especially for the production of growth hormone and regulating cortisol levels. “We should manage to sleep at least 7-8 hours daily. And during nighttime hours.” However, despite its great impact on hormonal behavior, sleep is one of the aspects we neglect the most. Anyone can have a bad night, but many bad nights are a problem for our hormonal balance. The same goes for stress, an ill to which we have become accustomed but which triggers the production of cortisol with disastrous consequences for health. “Chronic stress can negatively affect hormonal levels and increase inflammation in the body.”

In short, redirecting our habits facilitates the path toward healthy aging, and seeking the support of specialists and treatments that help us take care of ourselves inside and out is the key to living longer and better. That is what well-aging is about: assuming the process with a proactive attitude to look and feel the best possible.