Of A Certain Age
If we’re lucky, we get to become a man or woman of a certain age. Not everyone is afforded the gift of living long enough to experience the joys and challenges of aging; we’re lucky if we do. There are incredible aspects of that process – learning about ourselves and the way we show up in the world, for example. There are also challenging aspects like needing to take better care of our bodies, minds, and spirits. The ways we care for our bodies need to change as we age because they change.
Hormones Run Amuck?
When we hear the word hormones, we automatically think of them shaping one’s gender. They do. They also relate to many other physiological functions. In addition to regulating reproductive and sexual functions, hormones also regulate:
- Growth
- Metabolic activity
- Sleep
- Mood
Thyroid problems, diabetes, and even obesity are related to hormonal function. As we age, our bodies produce less of certain hormones or produce the same amount, but at a slower rate. In both instances, we can experience changes such as:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain
- Changes in mood
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Decreased libido
- Vaginal dryness (women)
- Difficulty with erections (men)
- Loss of lean muscle mass
- Brittle or weakened bones
It seems that, as we age, our hormones run amuck and we live in bodies that seem unfamiliar to us.
What Can We Do?
We’re fortunate to live in the 21st century. There are so many ways we can improve our health, well-being, and physical functioning. There are numerous ways to create good health without medical intervention. To maximize your well-being, you can:
- Take up a new hobby
- Eat nutrient-rich food
- Stay hydrated
- Increase your physical activity
- Meditate
- Journal
- Spend time outdoors
- Connect with family and friends
- Seek out community
Each of these ideas goes a long way in creating and maintaining good health, but there is additional support available to help us care for our older bodies, too.
Hormonal Support
The first step in determining how much of an impact hormonal imbalance has in your life is to measure various hormonal levels. The Online NP can help you determine if your hormones are imbalanced through lab work performed in your local area. After we receive your laboratory results, we’ll review them and explain what’s happening in your body. We may be able to optimize your thyroid function or work together to determine whether hormone replacement therapy for women (also known as HRT) or testosterone replacement therapy for men (TRT) will positively impact your quality of life.
Why The Online NP?
Stephanie Kowatch, MSN, APRN, FNP-C provides medical and wellness care remotely. She’s licensed in over forty states, making healthcare available to those who might not have a medical provider in their locale. Stephanie focuses on treating you – the whole you – when suggesting a wellness plan or medical protocol. Her goal is to develop a relationship with you that enables you to live your best life. Contact her today to help you find an ideal hormonal balance for your body.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
