Hormones affect the way we look and the ways in which we behave. They control normal functions within our bodies, like heart rate, sleep cycles, and reproduction.
As we grow older, our hormone levels change and begin to alter the ways that our bodies function and how we look. This can mean we gain or lose weight, our appetites change, our skin becomes less supple, and sometimes it even means hair loss.
At our Starks center in Milan, Italy, we deal with all sorts of aging related issues. A part of that is combating some of the less desirable effects that changing hormone levels have on the appearance of our clients.
Below, we’ll talk about how hormones work and what it means when their levels change as we grow older.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are secreted by our endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream. Different glands produce different hormones. For instance, the Hypothalamus, located in the brain, gives us dopamine, somatostatin, vasopressin, and more.
Even small amounts of these hormones can have massive effects on our bodies and our behavior.
However, when people talk about hormones, they’re usually talking about the big two: testosterone and estrogen.
Testosterone is naturally produced within the bodies of biological males, and it helps to create muscle mass, among other things.
Estrogen is produced in biological females, and it regulates the menstrual cycle and much more.
Both of these hormones are major contributors to heart and blood vessel functions, bones, skin, hair and more. As we get older, the production of these hormones drops respectively, and that also has an effect on the way we appear.
How Lowered Hormone Production Affects Aging
As we grow older and produce less testosterone or estrogen, our bodies, hair, and skin change as well.
For men, a loss of testosterone production can lead to less body hair and thinner hair on the head. Menopause for women can also lead to thinner hair on the head.
Estrogen in particular helps to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, all of which help the skin to stay plump and firm. As estrogen production decreases, skin becomes thinner and less elastic, which causes it to look older and obtain wrinkles.
On top of immediate appearance in skin and hair, aging related hormonal decreases cause us to lose muscle mass and gain body fat, which often leads to weight gain and poorer physical health.
How to Combat Hormone-Related Aging
While time maintains a firm grip on all of us, there are ways to combat the negative changes in appearance due to changing hormone levels as we age.
Eating plenty of healthy fats like salmon and avocado can help to boost hormone production, lower inflammation and boost metabolism.
One often overlooked necessity for maintaining your youthful looks is getting an adequate amount of sleep. Experts recommend 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and getting less than that or sleeping restlessly can lead to hormone imbalance.
If you’re in Italy and you’re worried about the effects that aging is having on your appearance, whether it’s hormone-related or due to hair loss, visit our center in Milan to find out how we can help.
Our team of expert medical professionals and hair restoration specialists can help you feel and look younger. It’s time to regain your confidence and not let growing older get in the way of living your happiest life.
Thank you for checking out this post. Starks currently provides age management solutions from clinics located in Greece, Italy, and France. Please click below to find out more about the aesthetic services we offer to our global clientele:
Italy:
Medicina Estetica
Greece:
Υπηρεσίες Δερματολογίας
