Dealing with hormones in old age

Dealing with hormones in old age

As one enters old age, the most noticeable issue is the various changes in physical health, especially the changes in hormones that are commonly referred to as "menopause" for women and "andropause" for men who are 45 years of age and older. Hormones, such as sex hormones and estrogen, gradually decrease and affect both the physical and mental changes in the body, which varies from person to person depending on their physical condition.

When the level of sex hormones decreases, generally one experiences symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, body aches, hot flashes, sweating, and shaking, as well as mental and cognitive changes, such as memory loss, short attention span, anxiety, and irritability. There are also sexual problems that may occur due to decreased hormones.

Using hormone replacement therapy depends on how much one's daily life is affected by these symptoms. Emotional fluctuations, easy stress, insomnia, or hot flashes are symptoms that can affect one's quality of life. It is not solely dependent on the decrease of hormones, but also other factors such as stress from family and work, as well as one's original mental state. Therefore, if the symptoms are not severe, hormone replacement therapy may not be necessary and should be consulted with a doctor first for safety purposes.

Hormone supplements in food:

We can enhance our hormones through natural food sources that contain components similar to hormones, such as phytoestrogen. Examples include:

1. Flavonoids, found in beta-carotene group, help eliminate toxins in the brain and increase oxygen supply to the brain. These can be found in colorful fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, cantaloupes, tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli.

2. Vitamin B promotes blood circulation, hormone function, and muscle strength. Vitamin B6 is abundant in wheat germ, bananas, chicken, fish, and cauliflower, while Vitamin B12 can be found in liver, beef, pork, white fish, eggs, and dairy products.

3. Vitamin C helps blood circulation by increasing the flexibility and dilation of blood vessels, and strengthens the immune system. This can be found in all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. Vitamin E helps fight free radicals, strengthens heart and muscle tissue, and creates hormones. It also strengthens the body's immune system and can be found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.

5. Calcium helps to strengthen bones and muscles and is involved in the nervous system's functioning related to sexual activity and emotional response. It can be found in milk, dairy products, soybeans, and green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach.

6. Chromium deficiency can reduce sexual desire and can be found in apples, grapes, berries, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, and beans.

7. Zinc plays a crucial role in male hormone production and the functioning of the testes. It can be found in oysters, crab meat, pumpkin seeds, onions, and red eggs.

Vitamins and minerals are all beneficial for the body, but it is important to consume them in appropriate amounts that suit your body's needs. Moreover, do not be swayed by advertisements promoting medication or herbal remedies, as they may have adverse effects on the body. It is crucial to care for the elderly, and if you have any doubts, it is always best to consult a doctor.

With best wishes from the Department of Anti-Aging Medicine, Vibhavadi Hospital.