Many symptoms attributed to exhaustion or the stresses of daily life may actually stem from natural hormonal changes that commence earlier in life than many people realize, according to Dr. Vera Seryogina.
These shifts aren’t limited to women, as is often believed. Men as well experience hormonal changes, often referred to as male menopause, where testosterone levels begin to decline gradually after age 30 at a rate of approximately 1% annually in the absence of obesity or chronic diseases. This decline can be accelerated by weight gain and a lack of physical activity, leading to fat accumulation around the abdomen, slowed metabolism, decreased libido, and reduced energy levels, according to reports.
For women, the picture is more complex. Hormonal changes can begin years before menopause, during the perimenopausal stage, even even as menstrual cycles remain regular. Levels of progesterone or testosterone may decrease while estrogen remains within the range that allows for continued menstruation, creating a false sense of health stability.
Potential symptoms can include weight gain, fluid retention, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and episodes of anxiety or depression. These changes often begin between the ages of 30 and 35, particularly in the context of chronic stress, environmental factors, and certain medications.
Hormonal balance isn’t measured by the level of each hormone in isolation, but by its proportion to others, Dr. Seryogina explained. Essential tests include evaluating follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol, along with analyzing the relationships between them.
One of the first systems affected by these changes is the nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system. Symptoms may include hot flashes, palpitations, fluctuating blood pressure, unstable blood sugar levels, and anxiety or panic attacks.
For accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive clinical assessment is recommended, utilizing validated scales such as the Greene Climacteric Scale, alongside laboratory tests and necessary examinations of the breasts and pelvis, and evaluation of coagulation and biochemical markers, before any treatment decisions are made.
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