Summer 2009 - If 50 is the new 30… Why does 40 feel like 70?

If 50 is the new 30 Why does 40 feel like 70?

Demi Moore, Goldie Hawn, Michelle Pfeiffer—over the hill and past sexy? Not a chance. How do they do it? Sure, they may have fitness trainers, housekeepers, and drivers at their disposal, but they still havesomething in common with the rest of us: hormones. And when hormones are out of whack, it’s anyone’s guess who they’ll hit – and how hard.

Sound familiar?

The truth is that throughout a woman’s life, a delicate interplay of multiple hormones is necessary for proper sexual function. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work together to carry messages throughout the body and to keep things running smoothly. As we age and stress takes its toll, we may assume that this is just the way things are supposed to be. Then we see those sexy 40-, 50-, and 60-somethings still strutting their stuff and realize we must be missing something. For many, balancing hormones naturally with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can open the door to a more satisfying sex life. “It is very important that a woman recognizes that her sex life is an excellent indicator of her general health,” says Dr. Alicia Stanton, Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD. “Many of my patients in perimenopause and menopause come to me seeking help for other issues most commonly related to hormonal imbalance. We started talking about things such as fatigue, weight gain, and hot flashes, but the conversation quickly turned to sex and what to do about their low, and more often than not, non-existent libido. By the time my patients have their first appointment, they have already had comprehensive hormone

testing and this gives a much clearer picture of what is happening and what needs to be corrected not only to make a smooth transition through perimenopause and menopause, but also to make it more enjoyable and satisfying.” With all the recent attention on hormone imbalance, many of our patients are asking if this could be the cause of some of their physical and sexual issues. Many times, these symptoms are written off. However, without a comprehensive review of a person’s hormone levels, you are getting only part of the picture. It is helpful to be aware of the function of the hormones most affected, as well as the symptoms that can arise when a hormonal imbalance occurs.

Estrogen

The estrogenic hormones, estradiol, estrone and estriol are responsible for the development of the uniquecharacteristics of the female body, including the reproductive system. During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate, which can cause problems with other hormones – especiallyprogesterone. Low estrogen levels can cause a variety of issues that affect a woman’s sex life, including:

  • Breast tenderness
  • Low or diminished libido
  • Thinner and drier vaginal walls
  • Difficulty reaching orgasm and less intensity
  • Reduction in collagen that can lead to thinner, dryer and wrinkled skin

Progesterone

Natural progesterone is vital to many core biologic functions and essential to the production of other hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, cortisol and DHEA. Progesterone works closely with estrogen, performing a balancing act that keeps a woman on an even keel. Hormones begin to shift during perimenopause and menopause which often results in pronounced changes in progesterone and estrogen levels. When progesterone is too low, a woman can experience:

  • Breast tenderness
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Low sex drive
  • Vaginal dryness

Testosterone

You may think of it as “the male hormone,” but testosterone also plays an important role for women. Produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands, it is vital for bone strength and the development of lean muscle mass and strength. Testosterone also plays a crucial role in a woman’s sex drive, specifically the sensitivity of a woman’s nipples and clitoris (associated with sexual pleasure) as well as her actual mood. Perimenopause and menopause are associated with a drop in testosterone production, which is closely linked to:

  • A loss of energy
  • Brittle hair
  • Less bone mass and muscle strength
  • A diminished sexual drive

It’s true – 40 seemed pretty old when we were heading into our 20s. But as we got closer, 40 began to take on an almost magical glow. We started looking forward to the fabled “sexual prime.” Unfortunately, hormone imbalance can ruin all the fun by knocking our libido into the dust, making us feel older than our years. “When a woman starts losing her sex drive, it’s time to do an in depth review of all the hormones at play to determine exactly what is causing her low libido,” shares Dr. Stanton. “Usually, it is multifactorial, so lifestyle definitely plays a part. Nutrition, supplements, stress reduction, exercise – these are all important to putting a woman’s sex drive back into motion. Correcting hormone imbalance through BHRT can also have a significantly positive, and very pleasurable effect.”