Trouble Sleeping? Hormonal Imbalance May Be Why
Sleep is essential for restoring our brain and nervous system to full functionality each and every night. When sleep is interrupted, it can put us in an irritable mood and throw off our entire day. If problems sleeping persist, it could open the door to larger problems with both your physical and mental well-being.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly why we are having problems with our sleep. Typically, many will tell you their insomnia is caused by stress, anxiety, depression, or some other mental illness. While this hypothesis certainly has scientific merit, there are many others that can be sometimes overlooked in diagnosis.
One of the many variables that affect our sleep patterns is our hormones. These chemical messengers are quite powerful, and have many important roles to play throughout your body. Often, the first step to getting to the root of your sleeping trouble is to understand the many hormones that may be impacting you. Read on to learn more about some of your body’s most important hormones, and how they may be related to restlessness.
Cortisol
The hormone cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. It is essential in your mind and body’s ability to recognize and defend itself against threats during the activation of your flight-or-fight response.
However, what many don’t realize, is that cortisol acts in direct opposition to melatonin, the body’s main sleep hormone. In an effort to maintain your personal circadian rhythm, cortisol levels rise overnight to peak in the morning, then drop throughout the day until you begin to feel tired.
Sometimes, this cycle can be thrown off due to chronic stress, which causes overly high levels of cortisol release. Therefore, when many say that stress or anxiety is causing their issues with sleep, this corresponds with high cortisol levels.
Various lifestyle changes, such as limiting food and drug intake, exercising, and eating healthier can help reduce stress and may help to compensate for and correct these irregularities.
Thyroid
Thyroid is a vital hormone that is mainly responsible for regulating normal body functions such as growth, metabolism, and development, In addition, it is responsible for many automatic body functions such as your heartbeat, temperature regulation, and how well you burn calories.
Both too much and too little thyroid hormone can have significant implications on how well you sleep. As one study put it: “Hypothyroidism results in poor sleep quality and architecture, whereas hyperthyroidism adversely impacts sleep by reducing sleep efficiency and duration, and increasing sleep latency.”
Proper realignment of thyroid gland requires careful treatment, but it can certainly have a positive effect on many physiological functions, including sleep.
Testosterone
Testosterone, the primary male hormone, is responsible for regulating bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm in men. In women, it works alongside estrogen to regulate reproductive tissue.
In a recent study conducted by Dr. Eve Van Cauter of the University of Chicago, a link between testosterone production and sleep deprivation was noted. “As research progresses, low sleep duration and poor sleep quality are increasingly recognized as endocrine disruptors,” Van Cauter stated.
Some men have even reported improvements in sleep quality following testosterone replacement therapy!
Estrogen and Progesterone
These essential hormones are particularly important in female health and development. In women, they are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and developing secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts and endometrium. In males, they are responsible for the maturation of sperm cells and the maintenance of a healthy libido.
Estrogen and progesterone have the potential to impact sleep throughout your life, but especially as it pertains to sexual development. During pregnancy, these hormonal changes support a growing fetus, but can also significantly affect sleep.
The greatest risk of hormone-related sleep disruption, however, typically occurs during perimenopause and menopause. While this alone can affect sleepiness, it can also cause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats which can also drastically affect your sleep.
At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in estrogen and other hormone replacement therapy. This can help rebalance your hormones, thereby eliminating symptoms of perimenopause and menopause that can compromise sleep.
Over the years, we’ve studied hormonal imbalance in many different forms, and we’ve worked alongside the medical community to develop many different treatments that can keep your body’s vital chemistry in-line.
For more information on Renewed Vitality and what we could do to help, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to helping you get back on track!
When it comes to non-traditional approaches to medicine and wellness, there are always those who are quick to dispute their effectiveness. Unfortunately, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one form of treatment that often falls into this category.
Talking to friends, family, or conducting your own research online may result in conflicting information regarding HRT, and this mixture of information can overcomplicate things, making it challenging to separate fact and fiction.
At Renewed Vitality, we are the Reading, PA area’s main HRT resource. Over the course of several years, we have practiced integrative medicine and focused on natural treatment options. In that time, we have come across (and successfully debunked) a number of common myths surrounding HRT.
For your benefit, we have compiled five of them right here. Take a look below, and then be sure to discuss your options with your doctor to see if Hormone Replacement Therapy from Renewed Vitality may be an option for you.
Myth #1: HRT Only Works for Women
Perhaps due to its significant benefits for both Perimenopausal and Menopausal women, there is a common myth that Hormone Replacement Therapy only works for women. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Just as women seek HRT to treat menopausal symptoms, men too can address their hormonal imbalances. One important male hormone that can fall out of balance with age is testosterone.
Low testosterone can lead to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, weight fluctuations, and more. There is evidence that HRT can effectively manage these issues in men just as well as they can manage hormone imbalances in women.
Myth #2: HRT Causes Cancer and Heart Disease
This myth and others like it are mostly based on outdated, logically flawed studies that have disproven time and time again.
Original research that discussed HRT and its supposed link to cancer was inherently flawed, and other researchers have gone back to this study and debunked this unfortunate myth.
Although it’s true that receiving more hormones than your body requires can raise the risk of certain types of cancers, properly conducted HRT itself doesn’t cause cancer. Furthermore, HRT does not cause cancer in healthy adults with no history of hormone-sensitive cancer.
When it comes to heart disease, there is even less evidence that this is the case. Recent studies have reported no such association between HRT and heart disease. In fact, studies have found that women taking estrogen-only HRT were actually less likely to develop heart disease.
Myth #3: HRT is Only Beneficial for Severe Symptoms
For some reason, there is a persistent myth that HRT should only be used to address severe symptoms of hormone imbalance. The truth is, you don’t need to wait for your symptoms to get worse before seeking assistance.
HRT can be beneficial even for less severe symptoms that may be having a negative effect on your daily life. These symptoms can include things like hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and more.
The reality is, if you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormone imbalance, there is no such thing as seeking out treatment too early.
Myth #4: There’s Only One Form of HRT
Trying to properly envision hormone replacement therapy treatments can be a challenge if you don’t know what to expect, and many people seem to believe that there is only one way to administer HRT. The truth however, is much less restrictive.
You may be surprised to know that there are several types of HRT, and these types can range from oral to topical formulations. In fact, different types of HRT can be used both alone or in specific combinations in order to best treat your symptoms and balance your hormones.
Myth #5: HRT is Not “Natural”
All bioidentical hormones, even those that are derived from plants, require a chemical process that helps pharmacists synthesize the final product. However, did you know that bioidentical hormones contain an exact molecular match of the human hormone? It’s true!
Whether you’re talking about creams, patches, injections, or pellets, every bioidentical hormone is made up of the most natural form of hormones you can find.
To learn more about HRT and how it may be able to benefit you, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality today! We’re always accepting new patients!
Estrogen is one of the most important sex hormones in a woman’s body. It is responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle, keeping your cholesterol balanced, and protecting tissue and bone health.
When your estrogen levels are off, your whole mind, body, and spirit can feel off too. There are several reasons why you may be experiencing low estrogen levels, but most commonly, it is a normal side-effect of menopause. Nevertheless, lower estrogen levels can lead to symptoms like low bone mass, trouble sleeping, low sexual desire, mood swings, and dry skin.
Luckily, there are many safe and healthy ways to increase your estrogen levels as you age, and Renewed Vitality is right here to share some of them with you!
Incorporate Phytoestrogen Foods Into Your Diet
Did you know there are many foods that are a naturally great source of phytoestrogens? While phytoestrogen is not exactly the same thing as estrogen, this hormone can mimic estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors.
Foods like soybeans, soy products, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and sesame oils are all high in phytoestrogens, and can help you begin to feel balanced again.
In fact, in one recent study, foods high in phytoestrogens were even linked to a lower risk of breast cancer!
Try Getting More of Certain Vitamins and Minerals
Certain vitamins and minerals play an important role in the creation and activation of estrogen in the body. In turn, low levels of these vitamins can lead to a reduction in estrogen levels. B vitamins (like B-2 and B-6), Vitamin D, and Boron are all excellent ways to keep your estrogen levels at acceptable rates.
In one recent study, researchers found that higher levels of B vitamins were associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, which may be due to the impact of these vitamins on estrogen metabolism.
Vitamin D also plays an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and facilitating estrogen synthesis. Boron on the other hand, is a trace mineral that plays a variety of roles in the body. It has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, and is also necessary for the metabolism of sex hormones.
Consider Certain Herbal Supplements
For those looking for an even more natural remedy, some researchers believe that herbal supplements can play a vital role in maintaining estrogen as you age. Herbs like black cohosh, chasteberry, and red clover all have at least some research that back up these claims.
Black cohosh is a traditional Native American herb that has historically been used to treat a variety of menstrual issues. Although more research is needed, some believe that black cohosh contains certain compounds that stimulate estrogen receptors, which may suggest a possible benefit of the herb when estrogen is low.
Chasteberry is another traditional herb that is perhaps best known for its use in treating gynecological conditions such as PMS. In one recent study, researchers found that chasteberry was capable of exhibiting estrogenic benefits, likely as a result of its phytoestrogen content.
Red clover is another herbal supplement that contains a handful of plant compounds called isoflavones that may be capable of mimicking estrogen in the body. These isoflavones include biochanin A, formonotin, genistein, and daidzein. A recent review study was able to find four different studies that all showed a significant increase in estrogen levels in women who used red clover supplements.
Talk to Us About Hormone Replacement Therapy
At Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA, we understand the importance of proper hormonal balance in both women and men. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Renewed Vitality offers safe, effective hormone replacement therapy and other services to men and women throughout Berks County and beyond. Our experienced staff and patient-first attitude make us the best place to treat hormone imbalance in the local Reading area.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call, send us an email, or contact us online today! We’re always accepting new patients!
The years after you turn 50 are a time of great change, but some of the biggest changes don’t get discussed as openly as perhaps they should.
As our bodies and minds mature and change, our relationships — and our sexual health — changes as well. But what if we told you that there are many things you can do to keep things lively in the bedroom, even as you enter into your later years.
Courtesy of Renewed Vitality, here are five simple ways to improve your sex life after 50.
Go With the Flow
The physical changes that accompany aging are inevitable, but they don’t have to drastically affect your libido, desire, drive, or ability to perform.
According to the North American Menopause Society, up to 45 percent of postmenopausal wonen find sex painful due, in part, to increased vaginal dryness. One great way to combat this natural and common side-effect of aging is good-quality lubricant.
As you age, try making lube a regular part of your sex life. Doing so is a simple and inexpensive way to make sex feel physically comfortable again.
Additionally, small dietary changes, like eating more soy products, flax seeds, fruits, and vegetables can make a big difference in the bedroom for older couples. This is due to the natural phytoestrogens found in those foods, which may help women raise their estrogen levels.
Be Open and Honest
One of the most important aspects to a healthy sexual relationship is trust and understanding. By offering judgement-free, open communication about sex with your partner, you can unlock a whole new world of experiences.
For example, did you know that it is common for couples to have mismatched sex drives? If you find this to be the case in your relationship, you and your partner should always speak frankly about what is important for both of you sexually. Always work towards a compromise that tries to meet both of your needs.
In addition, don’t be ashamed to talk about experiences like erectile dysfunction, which can make it difficult for a man to achieve or sustain an erection during sexual intercourse. For many men, this experience can be an embarrassing ego killer and a source of serious emotional stress.
If ED is something that concerns you or your partner during sex, try respectfully and soothingly talking to them about the many effective medical treatments, lifestly changes, and therapies that can help with this issue.
Replace Quickies With Romance
For both men and women, getting in the mood can be a challenge as you age. Sure, when you were younger quickies and one-offs may have been fun and satisfactory; but as you mature, you may find that slower, more intimate, and more romantic sex is the way to go.
Joan Price, an advocate for ageless sexuality and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Sex After Fifty: How to Maintain — or Regain — a Spicy, Satisfying Sex Life, has this to say on the subject.
“As we age, our sexual needs and preferences may change. Where we like being touched, how we like being touched, even who we want to touch us may change. Let the changes be an opportunity to explore. Make a date with yourself or your partner to rediscover how your body responds. In a private, relaxed setting, spend a long, languid, sensual time touching without any goal except to experience sensation and pleasure.”
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
As we age, it can become more and more of a challenge to stay physically fit, but this doesn’t mean you should let yourself go. Even as you age, be sure to stick to a balanced, health diet and a firm exercise regiment.
Refusing to do so can not only pose serious health risks like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, but it can also lead to problems with erections, libido, and self-esteem.
If you already have an established condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s very important that you speak to a doctor regarding your concerns surrounding sex and intimacy.
Don’t Be Ashamed to Ask For Help
Sexual issues like low libido and and performance can have an emotional effect as well as a physical one. This is why it’s so important to always speak confidently yet considerably about these things.
Gaining the courage to consult various professionals can have quite the benefit on your sex life. Take hormone therapy for example. If you’re having issues with your sexual satisfaction, don’t be afraid to reach out to Renewed Vitality in Reading, PA to see how we can help.
Renewed Vitality is the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life.
Our practitioner, Becky McClure, has made it her mission to help others achieve wellness, with over 30 years in healthcare and over 10 years providing state of the art pellet therapy. To learn more about Renewed Vitality and how it could benefit you, please contact us as soon as you’re comfortable. We look forward to helping you get your life back on track!
While aging affects everyone differently, there is no point in denying this inevitable fact of life.
For many women, aging is something that is discussed with relative frequency. But for men, the process is often overlooked or left unconsidered in larger circles. Nevertheless, aging can be just as frightening and confusing for men as it can for women.
That’s why Renewed Vitality is stepping up to plate in order to discuss four key things that many men wish their partners knew about the male aging experience.
The Common Medical Risks
As with anyone, regardless of sex, the natural aging process can take a toll on a person;s health and physical fitness.
For men especially, the risk of chronic diseases and other medical conditions such as colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, hepatitis, and aging male syndrome —which is characterized by a decline in testosterone and may manifest in weight gain, difficulty sleeping, less interest in sex, general irritability, depression, and loss of bone, muscle, and hair tissues.
These conditions are not guaranteed to happen by any means, but they can be quite frightening and will require a good amount of love and support to cope with should they occur.
The Truth About Fertility Changes
There is actually quite a mix of truth and myth surrounding male reproductive health as they age. For this reason. It’s important to discuss the changes that do occur in a direct manner.
In a process known as sclerosis, the tubes that carry sperm can lose elasticity. While the testes will continue to produce sperm, the rate at which this occurs may decrease. In addition, the epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland can also lose some surface cells.
Nevertheless, this system can and will continue to produce sperm, and it is still possible for a man to further children well into his older years.
How It Can Affect Self-Esteem
Aging isn’t easy for anyone, but for many, societal expectations and years of conditioning have made it seem as though men are somehow weaker for wishing to express their emotions and discuss heavier topics.
While machismo and the appearance of strength are important traits for many, men do still have feelings and certain insecurities when it comes to self-esteem. For this reason, it’s important to stay open-minded, compassionate, and empathetic if the man in your life begins to feel a bit down as a result of the natural aging process.
The Best Ways to Stay Healthy as We Age
While the aging process can be intimidating, the good news is, there are a number of positive ways that men and their partners can ensure better health as they age.
Keeping up with annual physicals and medical screening, as well as adhering to a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, are some of the best ways to have a little more control over your aging process.
Focusing on increased awareness, prevention, education, and family support can allow men to enjoy better health as they age and wake up each morning with a little more positivity.
If the effects of aging seem too daunting to deal with, don’t worry! Renewed Vitality offers multiple resources and ways to help! To discuss your concerns and questions in greater detail, feel free to contact us today. We’re always ready and willing to talk.
Testosterone is the single most important male sex hormone. Starting in utero, this hormone shapes a man’s physical form, influences a multitude of tissues and cody systems, and has even been shown to affect personality. This is why it is vital to a man’s overall health and well-being to maintain healthy levels of testosterone as he ages.
Low levels of testosterone can affect a man’s body composition through weight gain, cause a reduced sex drive, and even affect sexual function in the form of reduced erections and infertility.
While it is natural for testosterone levels to decline the older one gets, there are several steps you can take to slow, and perhaps even reverse the process. Check out some of our tips for how you can raise testosterone in a natural and healthy way right here courtesy of Renewed Vitality!
Get Plenty of Sleep
Lack of proper sleep can adversely affect the balance of chemicals and hormones in your body. In fact, a recent study conducted by the University of Chicago found that testosterone levels in even young, healthy men can drop as a result of sleep deprivation.
The researchers found that after just one week of restricted sleep, the daytime testosterone levels of ten healthy men aged around 24 years old dropped by up to 15 percent! By contrast, normal aging has only shown steady decreases of 1-2 percent per year.
You should always aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you have problems getting to sleep on a regular basis, be sure to contact your doctor for professional advice.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating well is essential to proper body function now matter what age, sex, or ethnicity you are. This is especially true regarding testosterone levels.
According to one report that appeared in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, low testosterone levels may correlate with being overweight, and can even contribute to a variety of inflammatory conditions and impaored neurological function.
Other research has shown that both overeating and crash dieting can also disrupt hormone levels, though this effect is most prevalent in athletes and other very active people.
The best diets are the ones that stick to a mild intake of mostly whole foods and a healthy balance of fats, carbs, and proteins. Eating a healthful and nutritious diet helps to keep all hormone levels balanced and promotes long-term health.
Exercise Regularly
Just as a healthy and balanced diet is vital to well-balanced hormones, so too is regular exercise and physical activity.
A recent study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that the more active an individual is, the more testosterone they have. Another study suggested that increasing casual exercise was even more beneficial than weight loss as a whole when it comes to improving testosterone levels.
Establishing a routine that includes plenty of physical activity without overdoing it is a key component to maintaining hormone health naturally. Aerobic exercise in particular improves cardiovascular fitness, decreases body fat, and increases testosterone output.
Actively Reduce Stress
Chronic, long-term stress isn’t good for anyone, but can be especially dangerous the older you get. Stress naturally elevated hormone cortisol levels, a chemical that is responsible for managing a variety of body responses, including the immune system and metabolism.
Elevated cortisol levels can negatively impact testosterone. In one 2016 study, researchers found that stressful events can actively contribute to erratic changes in testosterone levels in both men and women.
In this study, the men showed significant increases in salivary testosterone (an increased excretion of testosterone) under exam stress, while the women had substantially decreased testosterone levels altogether.
The research even suggested that the stress response in males resulted in increased aggression, emotional inhibition, and rumination.
Avoid Excessive Drug and Alcohol Use
Any substance that actively alters brain and body chemistry can affect all kinds of hormone levels, but this is especially true of drugs and alcohol. In fact, excessive drug and alcohol consumption has been linked to lower testosterone levels directly.
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use affects the glands and hormones involved in reproductive health. In addition, alcohol use has been shown to cause significant hormonal reactions and even cell damage.
As a whole, alcohol and other substances including caffeine and tobacco should only ever be used responsibly and in moderation.
Try Hormone Replacement Therapy
Despite your best efforts to raise testosterone levels naturally, lifestyle changes alone are often not enough to get you where you want to be.
While some men may be reluctant to try pharmacological treatments, hormone therapy can often be helpful when the body fails to produce enough testosterone on its own.
Renewed Vitality is the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life.
To learn more about your hormone replacement therapy options at Renewed Vitality in Wyomissing, PA, don’t hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to assisting you!
Like it or not, winter is right around the corner in Southeast PA. For many of us, the incoming colder months and harsher weather can make it especially difficult to stay active, not to mention the coming holiday season that centers around sweets and relaxation.
Our tendency to hibernate in the wintertime can become greater as we age, but a lack of physical activity can become more and more problematic the older we get. That’s why it’s important to make a concerted effort to stay physically active during the winter season.
At Renewed Vitality, your wellness is our primary concern, and we love to help! That’s why we’re here to give you some very useful information regarding wintertime exercise before the cold front rolls in to stay!
The Importance of Staying Active As You Age
Believe it or not, too much relaxation can actually do more harm than good, especially for seniors.
Engaging in regular physical activity can help you maintain healthy muscle mass and bone density as you age. This is a significant factor in preventing dangerous falls and the fractures breaks, tears, or sprains that may result.
In addition, frequent physical activity can also help lower your blood pressure, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, regular exercise can also help to limit the effects of arthritis by continuously lubricating your joints.
The positive effects of exercise for older adults doesn’t just stop at the physical either. In fact, several recent studies have confirmed that regular workouts can help to prevent cognitive decline and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression as well.
Key Tips For Staying Active Through the Winter
While the benefits of regular exercise for older adults is incredible, the harsher winter season can make this task seem daunting and dangerous. Whether it be icy sidewalks or persistent precipitation that is preventing you from achieving your exercise goals, there are several ways to overcome these obstacles.
Check out some of our best bits of advice right here:
- Exercise At Home: While the ongoing situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely reassured many of us about the benefits of getting out and interacting with others, accomplishing this feat can be especially challenging for seniors. However, there are many exercises that you can do in your very own home. Many exercises that focus on balance can be performed without extravagant equipment, while keeping a light pair of weights around the house can even encourage you to get a little lifting in when you have some downtime.
- Wear Extra Layers: The winter chill can make it harder for us to stay warm, but if outdoor exercises are more your style, look for ways to layer up before heading out in a brisk winter walk. For example, a pair of long thermal underwear or a down winter coat can help keep you comfortable when the temperatures drop. In addition, a warm cup of tea or cocoa can also do wonders for you both before and after a chilly workout session. Before going out however, make sure you check the forecast for slippery conditions.
- Keep It Fun: Exercise doesn’t always have to be a chore. There are many fun and uplifting exercises you can try as well! Playing with your grandkids or even indoor gardening can be a great way to stay in motion in the wintertime, and it doesn’t require extravagant planning to accomplish either.
In Conclusion
While it can seem like quite the hurdle for older individuals to fit in regular exercise in the wintertime, these aforementioned tips can go a long way in boosting your activity level in simple and healthy ways.
That said, safety is always important to keep in mind, if you or a loved one experience mobility issues, be sure that another family member, friend, or caregiver is present while you get your workout in!
For any additional questions about staying fit and healthy as you age, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality today! We are always happy to help!
For many of us, drinking alcohol can be an easy way to relax with family and friends after a long, stressful day. While many may say drinking is a young person’s game, alcohol use is common among seniors as well.
According to the National Council on Aging, nearly half of adults aged 65 or older report having consumed alcohol in the past year. Typically, this is done at a social event or party, as a way to enhance mood, as a way to cope with conditions like insomnia, or even as a means of receiving perceived positive health effects.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with having a drink now and then, it’s important to know your personal limits and to understand how your body responds to alcohol — especially if you are older.
How Drinking Affects Older Individuals
Although drinking problems are less common in older adults than younger people, alcohol can pose its own specific risks for seniors.
As we age, changes in our bodies’ hormonal balance and composition can make it much more difficult for older adults to metabolize alcohol. As a result, the effect of a mug of beer, a glass of wine or scotch, or even mixed drinks can be felt much more strongly by older drinkers.
“As we age, it takes longer for the body to break down alcohol,” said Brad Lander, an addiction medicine specialist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It stays in the system longer. Tolerance also decreases.”
In addition, it is especially important for older individuals to be fully aware of any additional risks that alcohol use may carry when combined with any medication you may be taking.
“[Alcohol use] can decrease the effectiveness of some medications and highly accelerate others, including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, sleeping pills and others,” said Lander.
Alcohol abuse has also been known to cause problems with balance and reaction times, which increases the risk of accidents and falls. Furthermore, overindulgence of alcohol has been shown to worsen conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and liver disease. The risk of stroke can also increase.
According to Lander, prolonged excessive alcohol use can also lead to the increased development of dementia, depression, and impaired sexual functioning.
As is the case with anyone who overindulges, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol can develop over time. However, the differences between safe drinking and alcohol abuse is different for everyone.
“The general rule of thumb is to take a close look and honestly assess if drinking is causing any life problems,” Lander said. “If it’s causing difficulties with your health, relationships, daily functioning or emotions, then it’s too much.”
Lowering Your Risks
The best way for seniors to avoid unnecessary risks to their overall health and the development of addiction while consuming alcohol is by limiting its use.
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), those aged 65 and older who do not take medication and are in good health should limit their total alcohol consumption to no more than seven drinks per week. Additionally, those aged 65 and up should consume no more than three drinks throughout any given day.
Consuming food and other, non-alcoholic, hydrating beverages like water while at a party or gathering is another great way to ensure you aren’t overloading your system.
For those diagnosed with certain medical conditions (like Major Depression), or individuals who take prescribed medication to manage pain, the NIAAA recommends consuming even less, or abstaining completely.
The Final Word
As we age, alcohol use can remain a part of a healthy lifestyle. Enjoying a drink or two with friends and family at the occasional holiday celebration or get-together can even contribute to healthy aging by fostering social connection and a sense of enjoyment.
Nevertheless, unhealthy drinking habits can harm one’s overall health and well-being over time, especially if you are older.
To make the most out of alcohol use as you get older, stay within NIAAA guidelines and avoid using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
For more information on how alcohol use can affect older adults, check out even more resources from the NIAAA right here.
