Hormones carry messages throughout the body. The pituitary gland directs them. Hormone levels fluctuate naturally; for example, cortisol levels are higher two hours after waking up. Hormone levels also change over time. We’ve all heard of menopause and estrogen changes, but HGH and testosterone levels also slowly drop over time.
Key Hormones
Testosterone
Testosterone runs higher in young men, especially once the sex organs develop and sexual traits appear. Testosterone levels in men will drop slowly, especially after age 40. If you notice a sudden loss of energy, libido, strength, or flexibility, get some bloodwork done. Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, may be necessary if your levels drop suddenly.
HGH
HGH levels run very high in children and rise during the puberty growth spurt. Sleep is critical at this stage! If your teenager is suddenly grumpy, drowsy, or napping like they did when they were six months old, they’re probably in the thick of a growth spurt, full of HGH, and needing plenty of sleep.
During HGH surges, your child may complain of joint pain. Bones, ligaments, and tendons grow at different rates. If muscles don’t keep up, your child is going to hurt. Warm baths, gentle exercise, and a focus on stretching can help.
As we age, HGH levels drop. If you, as a 40-year-old suddenly find that your shirts are loose at the shoulders and too tight at the waist, you’re likely suffering an age-related HGH drop. Get some bloodwork done to make sure your pituitary gland is working well.
Estrogen
Estrogen is the sex hormone that turns girls into women. Breast development, pubic and underarm hair, and other sex characteristics are triggered by the estrogen flood that occurs when a girl starts puberty.
Women maintain a fairly steady estrogen level until menopause, though pregnancy and menstruation certainly cause estrogen fluctuations. In the years leading up to menopause, estrogen levels will start to drop. A sudden drop in estrogen can cause headaches, dry skin and hair, and a libido drop.
Early menopause can contribute to a risk of bone density loss and general loss of strength and flexibility. Regular bloodwork can help you understand your normal estrogen level, and your doctor can help you find the best therapies to manage estrogen drops safely.
Progesterone
While estrogen triggers puberty and menopause, progesterone is the hormone that surges when the uterus is involved. Progesterone levels change in the lead-up to menstruation and drop when the period begins. Progesterone also rises and stays high throughout pregnancy.
What Is Normal?
The key to remember if you’re concerned about hormone level changes is that those levels are supposed to change. Testosterone levels can go up after a hard workout. HGH levels can rise when you’re working to increase your weight workout. Estrogen levels fluctuate from puberty to menopause.
Your overall wellness can also have a huge impact on your hormone levels. Adults with constant stress can suffer high cortisol levels. Unrelenting cortisol production can lead to poor sleep and belly fat. Belly fat can lead to insulin resistance. Poor sleep can lead to suppressed HGH production.
You may need counseling or a career coach if your stress level is high. If your bedroom is also your office, television-watching room, and family gathering space, your sleep is probably not the best quality. A sleep study may give you information on snoring, but carefully reviewing your sleep hygiene and habits can help you rest better.
A gradual decline in sex hormones is normal. Sudden drops in hormone levels can indicate a serious health concern. Women can face a rapid decline in sex hormones. The sudden drop that occurs during menopause can leave women feeling mentally fuzzy, physically exhausted, and personally overheated. Career stress, family pressures, and concerns about aging can all contribute to increased hormonal stress.
A man in his early 40s may be dealing with career stress, a busy family, and many other pressures. This man may grow tired. He may not have the energy to work out. He may notice a loss of muscle mass and flexibility.
There’s a natural lowering of testosterone that occurs over time. If you notice that your energy level drops suddenly, it’s critical that you get your blood tested. A sudden decline in testosterone can be an indication of a serious illness. Supplemental testosterone to bring your levels back to normal may be all you need to return to your previous strength.
Those who are concerned that their testosterone levels may be fluctuating a great deal need to determine their baseline. Once you know the normal testosterone level for a man of your age, weight, and body mass, you and your doctor can plan out a series of testosterone supplementations. Tools, including syringes and needles for testosterone injections, can also be determined.
A drop in energy, strength, and flexibility for over a month must be checked out. Get bloodwork done during your physicals to understand your normal hormone levels better. You may just be tired, or you could be in a hormonal desert. Supplementation can help.
