Women often hear that hormones “change with age,” but what does that really mean for how they feel, think and move through daily life?
Dr. Thomas Blackledge, a primary healthcare provider at Memorial Health System, shares insights to help women feel more supported through every stage.
HOW HORMONES SHIFT ACROSS THE DECADES
Dr. Blackledge explains that hormonal changes begin earlier than many women expect.
- Ages 35–40: “Ovarian function slowly begins to decline. Fertility gradually decreases, though many women have no noticeable symptoms.”
- Ages 40–45: “Many women start experiencing perimenopause, with fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels.”
- Ages 45–55: “Hormone levels decline more substantially.”
- Average menopause age: “The average age of menopause in the U.S. is about 51 years old, when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months.”
WHAT DECLINING HORMONES REALLY FEEL LIKE
“All hormone levels decline with age,” Dr. Blackledge notes, “and that can result in increased abdominal fat, muscle loss, bone density decline, hair loss, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings and decreased libido.”
One symptom he says is often overlooked: gradual hair loss. Women tend to attribute it to stress or aging, but it’s frequently hormone related.
THE HORMONES THAT MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK
According to Dr. Blackledge, estrogen plays a central role in whole body health:
- Bone density
- Cardiovascular protection
- Mood and cognitive function
- Reproductive and sexual health
- Skin and hair quality
“As estrogen declines, women may notice bone loss, reduced skin collagen leading to wrinkles and increased cardiovascular issues,” he explains. “Maintaining normal estrogen levels, often through therapy, can help lessen these effects.”
Progesterone is also key to decreasing symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It also supports bone health, mental wellbeing, skin health, weight and metabolism, and heart health.
Finally, testosterone therapy for women in menopause offers significant benefits including improved libido and sexual function, increased energy, enhanced mood and greater cognitive clarity.
“Testosterone levels for adult women are highest during reproductive years and may decrease by half by age 40,” Dr. Blackledge says.
When it comes to symptom management, he highlights two peptides used as growth hormone equivalents, which help fight the aging process:
- Tesamorelin: “It stimulates growth-hormone release and is used off label in metabolic syndrome,” he says.
- Sermorelin: “This is the most common option in longevity clinics. It supports natural growth-hormone production and may help with lean muscle, energy, sleep and body composition.”
Finally, Dr. Blackledge adds, “I recommend eating a healthy diet high in antioxidants, outdoor physical activity, regular checkups to stay within recommended health guidelines and complete hormone-replacement therapy for post-menopausal women for improved overall health, functioning and longevity.”
Dr. Thomas Blackledge is a primary healthcare medical doctor with 29 years of experience who focuses on preventative healthcare and evidence-based treatment options for improved longevity health of his adult patients. He can be contacted at (228) 822-6788.