Page 90 - Mayrlife 2025 English

BODY’S MESSENGERS
IN BALANCE
How hormones influence our lives and how we can positively impact
them – with a special focus on the role of nutrition.
How do hormones
affect longevity?
Hormones play a surprisingly
significant role in longevity and
healthy ageing, as they influence
nearly every process in the body
related to ageing. You could say
that hormones are the ‘molecular
managers’ of our body: they
regulate metabolism, cell growth,
regeneration, and our response to
stress. When they become imbal-
anced, we age faster – often in ways
that are hardly noticeable. The key
is maintaining balance.
What helps
restore balance?
Vital nutrients from a balanced
diet are essential, particularly
those found in organic foods and
omega-3 fatty acids – such as
flaxseed oil, hemp oil, and walnuts.
Fibre is also important, as it helps
remove excess hormones from
the body and reduces cholesterol.
Managing stress is crucial too, as
elevated stress hormones can
divert energy away from the pro-
duction of other vital hormones.
During menopause, many women
increase exercise intensity and
restrict their diets, which can
sometimes have the opposite
effect. It’s better to take a more
relaxed approach. Good sleep
is fundamental, and alcohol,
nicotine, and excessive caffeine
should be minimised.
When should
hormone levels
be checked?
It’s advisable to have
thyroid function checked
between the ages of 35 and
45, as the thyroid can be-
come less active with age
and benefit from holistic
support. For women with
irregular periods, hormone
levels should be monitored
at any age, as an underlying
issue may be present.
What about
hormone replacement
therapies?
Bioidentical hormone replacement
therapies are often recommended,
as they can be used not only to re-
lieve significant symptoms but also
preventively. Bioidentical means
that the molecular structure of the
lab-produced hormone is so similar
to our natural hormone that the
body doesn’t recognise it as for-
eign. However, if there is a family
history of cancer or other relevant
conditions, caution should be exer-
cised when considering hormone
replacement therapy, something
your doctor will thoroughly discuss
with you.
Can hormones
really ‘go haywire’?
Yes, especially during menopause.
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to
common symptoms such as hot
flashes, sleep disturbances, mood
swings, bladder issues, and cardi-
ovascular problems. Many women
experience a drop in progester-
one during the early stages of
menopause. This hormone pro-
motes relaxation, sleep, and a pos-
itive mood. Progesterone can also
decline after childbirth, leading to
post-partum depression.
Do men experience
menopause too?
Yes, though it’s a gentler
process. During ‘andro-
pause’ the decline in
testosterone can result
in mood swings, sleep
disturbances, increased
abdominal fat, and a
decrease in libido, while
oestrogen levels may rise
slightly. Simple lifestyle
changes can help mitigate
these effects, such as
increasing physical activity
and reducing alcohol,
nicotine, and sugar intake.
When stress hormones rise, other
hormone production declines.
PHOTO: Karl Steinegger
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