Hormones and Aging: What Happens After 35?
- Dr Bret Ellington DACM, CFMP, LAc
- Dec 6, 2011
- 2 min read
What Happens to Hormones After 35?
Most people associate hormonal changes with menopause or andropause, but in reality, hormonal shifts begin much earlier—often in your mid-30s.
These changes are subtle at first. You might notice slightly lower energy, changes in sleep, or difficulty maintaining weight. Over time, however, these small shifts can compound into more noticeable symptoms.
Help With Hormones and Aging
At Inner Balance Functional Medicine, we commonly work with patients across Colorado and California who are experiencing early signs of hormonal decline but have been told their labs are “normal.” Dealing with hormones and aging will happen to all of us. We can navigate this better through lab testing to find out exactly where you're at, and to know exactly what you need to get and feel better!
Featured Snippet: Early Signs of Hormone Imbalance
Fatigue or low motivation
Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
Poor sleep
Mood changes
Decreased libido
Brain fog
Key Hormones That Decline With Age
1. Cortisol: Chronic stress leads to dysregulation of cortisol, often resulting in a “wired but tired” feeling.
2. DHEA: DHEA declines steadily with age and plays a role in resilience, immune function, and hormone balance.
3. Testosterone and Estrogen: These hormones begin to decline gradually, impacting muscle mass, metabolism, and reproductive health.
4. Thyroid Hormones: Conversion from T4 to active T3 can become less efficient, slowing metabolism.
Why Hormone Imbalance Accelerates Aging
Hormones act as messengers that regulate nearly every system in the body.
When they decline or become imbalanced:
Metabolism slows
Inflammation increases
Muscle mass decreases
Recovery declines
This creates a cycle that accelerates aging.
If you’re noticing early signs of hormonal changes, this is the best time to intervene.
👉 Learn what your hormones are doing and take control of your health trajectory.
Root Causes of Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal changes are not just age-related—they are influenced by:
Chronic stress
Poor sleep
Blood sugar instability
Gut dysfunction
Environmental toxins
Long COVID and inflammation
Addressing these factors can significantly improve hormonal balance.
Functional Medicine Approach
At Inner Balance Functional Medicine, we:
Test cortisol rhythm and adrenal function
Evaluate sex hormones and thyroid
Assess gut health and inflammation
Personalize nutrition and supplementation
Telehealth Care (Colorado & California)
All testing can be done from home, with results reviewed virtually.
👉 Balance your hormones for healthy aging and book your complementary functional medicine consultation today!
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