Beyond our changing hormones- the biology of aging
Thinning hair, skin that becomes more sensitive by the minute, more frequent gym injuries, less tolerance for alcohol and caffeine, disruptions in sleep patterns…just sometimes a general feeling of “yuck”. I know, you, too, right? But while we often do, we can’t just blame our changing hormones.
This article in Scientific American attempts to explain the molecular biology behind the anecdotal woes we so often share as we age. It cites one study in particular that found many molecular and microbial changes happen at age 44 and age 60, and that aging seems to accelerate at these ages. And while there are some elements that make this study imperfect, it contains compelling findings that make me more motivated than ever to push my doctors for more frequent monitoring of my overall health. While many women focus mostly on our hormonal health during this time, crediting it mostly for the declines in physical health we notice as we age, but this study points out that not all changes can be attributed to menopause. For example:
“Compared with younger participants, people in their 40s and 60s displayed biological differences that appeared to be linked to muscle weakness and loss, decline in heart health, and inefficient caffeine metabolism. Those in their 40s also had reduced activity in cellular pathways responsible for breaking down alcohol and fats—possibly a sign that people start to digest these compounds more slowly around this age. People in their 60s, meanwhile, had lower levels of various immune system molecules, such as inflammatory cytokines, which corresponded to a weakened immune response. They also showed significant differences in levels of certain molecules associated with carbohydrate digestion and heart and kidney function, suggesting that the older participants were more susceptible to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney issues.”
Sooo…we know that diet and exercise have a great impact here, but my takeaway is to push to find a doctor that understands my focus on holistic health and aging well, not just giving me 15 minutes of time and a running cursory blood panels to give me a good bill of health. It’s not just about mitigating the negative impacts of aging, it’s actively working to be in optimal health, regardless of age. I don’t know if the current state of medicine is oriented this way way, but I plan to keep pushing and advocating for myself. After all, if I don’t, who will?
