Part 2: Metabolic Changes with Aging

Thanks for staying tuned in to the blog.  All 90,000 of you.  :)  WOW!

As promised I wanted to follow up with part 2 (of 2) discussing the metabolic changes that can come about with the aging process.  Could obesity, diabetes, and poor metabolism be connected to menopause and hormonal imbalance?  Science is showing that the answer is YES!  Are cholesterol, depression, and heart disease connected?  Again, science is proving YES!

Here's some key evidence and interest of where hormone balance is headed.  I've served in this realm for many, many years and I can tell you that the trend in medical care to pay attention to hormonal imbalance and it's connection to disease is moving up, up, up.  Remember to check back to Part 1 for more information about hormones and aging as well.

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes:
The HERS study and the WHI study, suggest that estrogen alone, or when estrogen is combined with progestogen, actually can reduce the instance of new-onset diabetes.  (Remember that medroxyprogesterone (synthetic), is not the same as progesterone.  You want to do the bio-identical version to get the best health benefits.)  Furthermore, integrating hormone replacement therapy into the care of those with impaired glucose tolerance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes has been shown to improve glucose.   Not only that, but the evidence is showing strongly that insulin resistance is improved, lipid/cholesterol profiles are improved, blood pressure is improved, and abdominal obesity is improved when hormones are appropriately restore and balanced.  With estrogen loss it appears that a woman faces increased central body fat, increased low-density lipoproteins, increased triglycerides, decreased HDL's, increased glucose and increased insulin resistance which can all lead to other diseases.  Instead of putting a Band-Aid on these other problems, it might be a good idea to look into hormone deficiency as an underlying contributor.  Will we one day see hormone therapy included in regimens for diabetes and cardiovascular disease?  It's not out of line if you ask me and other professionals serving in this unique area of medical care.


Blood Pressure/Cholesterol/Depression/Anxiety 

Here's some real data shared from a physician serving in the realm of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.  Her information was cited in OBGYN news magazine Jan 15, 2009 after she tracked 150 women on transdermal (cream or topical) hormone replacement therapy at baseline and then 1 yr later.   Look at how the numbers moved.  In a positive direction.  Yay!

Blood Pressure 133/80 -------->121/76 @ 1yr on therapy
Triglycerides 175--------------->120 @ 1yr on therapy
Fasting glucose 110------------->92 @ 1 yr on therapy
Hamilton Depression Score 6.6--------->5.0 @ 1 yr on therapy
Hamilton Anxiety Score 9.6 ------------>6.5 @ 1yr on therapy

WOW right?  Pretty compelling evidence.....


Body Fat Redistribution "The Spare Tire Syndrome"

The explanation for this peri- & post- menopausal nuisance can go in a lot of directions, but I'll try to zone in on a few reasons for this common complaint.  Often women don't feel good due to poor sleep (progesterone deficiency), hot flashes (estrogen deficiency), body aches, and adrenal fatigue.  The body tries to compensate for the loss of energy and low level adrenal hormones by triggering cravings for sugar, salt, and caffeine.  Guess where those things hang out after consumed?  Right where they are not wanted.   A diet will be a great struggle for a person until these weight contributing factors are dealt with appropriately.  Hormones should be tested and that's why the lab that I have used for over a decade has now come out with a Weight Management Testing Kit. Remember also that lifestyle modification to address sleep and stress is a crucial piece in 'figuring' things out too.  That's where it's important to work with a practitioner looking at all aspects.

Low DHEA
Also worth mentioning, is that between the ages of 20-40, women also experience approximately a 50% drop in DHEA levels.  Gasp!  That can have a major impact especially for women complaining of fatigue, weight gain, poor concentration, and so on.  Low DHEA can also have a significant impact on metabolism.  Many prescribed supplements for weight loss will include DHEA as an agent to help move the numbers on the bathroom scale down.  I would not suggest that you take DHEA without doing a hormone panel because of it's capability to metabolize into other hormones that you may not need.   Again, work with someone well educated in the area of hormonal imbalance.

Low Testosterone
If you don't have enough, you're going to notice.

 Declining testosterone production is another offending culprit in the weight/metabolism world.  Addressing "Low T" can help with lean muscle mass, vitality, stamina, and weight control.  Get this! I just reviewed a patients profile today and at 50 years old the normal range is 16-55 (saliva) for Testosterone.  She came in at a 10.  No wonder she's drained, gaining weight, and having other associated symptoms.  No wonder!!  She's feeling the impact of low T.  It's not just a man thing.


Please do yourself a health favor and get your hormones tested.  Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and assess and address your personal imbalances.

To your good hormone health,
Dr. Sonja
417-231-4544