The Truth About Hormonal Decline After 40—And What To Do About It
Is your energy not what it used to be? Is it harder to maintain muscle?
If you’re a man over 40, you might have noticed some frustrating changes. Your energy isn’t what it used to be, your muscles seem harder to maintain, and even your mental sharpness feels a little… off. It’s not just in your head. Hormonal decline is real, and it’s something most men will face as they age.
What Happens To Your Hormones After 40?
Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood. But as you hit your 30s and 40s, those levels start to gradually decline—typically by about 1% per year. By the time you’re in your 50s or 60s, that decline can leave you feeling like a shadow of your former self.
The symptoms of hormonal decline are often mistaken for "just getting older." But here’s the truth:
Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep.
Decreased Libido: Lower sex drive and performance issues.
Muscle Loss: Struggling to build or maintain muscle, even with regular exercise.
Weight Gain: Particularly around the midsection.
Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating and feeling mentally sluggish.
Mood Changes: Irritability, anxiety, and even depression.
Why This Matters
Testosterone is the hormone that drives so much of what makes you feel energetic, strong, and mentally sharp. When levels drop, everything else tends to follow. And it’s not just testosterone. Other hormones like growth hormone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones also decline with age, further contributing to the symptoms you’re experiencing.
What You Can Do About It
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to just accept feeling this way. There are actionable steps you can take to regain your energy, focus, and strength.
1. Get Tested
The first step is knowing your baseline. Comprehensive lab work can reveal not just your testosterone levels, but also how other hormones are performing. Knowing what’s out of balance is crucial for creating a targeted plan.
2. Optimize Your Lifestyle
Strength Training: Weightlifting boosts testosterone and promotes muscle growth.
Nutrition: Eating the right foods—rich in zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and healthy fats—can make a big difference.
Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to allow your hormones to replenish and function properly.
Stress Management: High stress levels can elevate cortisol, which competes with testosterone and worsens hormonal imbalance.
3. Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
For some men, lifestyle changes aren’t enough. HRT, particularly bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy, can be a game-changer when administered properly. It’s about restoring your hormones to optimal levels, not just masking symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Aging is inevitable, but feeling old isn’t. You don’t have to accept fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain as your new normal. Understanding hormonal decline is the first step toward reclaiming your energy and vitality.
Ready to take charge of your hormones and get back to feeling your best? Schedule a consultation today and let’s get you on the right track.
CODEX
The Art of Aging Well
A revolutionary approach, created by award-winning, board-certified physician and surgeon, Dr. Peter Marta, combining the precision of conventional medicine and the nuance of functional medicine. At the heart of Codex is hormone optimization, with a comprehensive system addressing seven core areas vital for men’s wellness. What even many physicians overlook is that hormonal health and gut health are inextricably linked—you can’t have one without the other. Codex addresses these connections, unlocking vitality and balance through a tailored, easy-to-follow, scientific approach.
