Hormones, Estrogen, and the Loss of Nitric Oxide

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we age, our hormones decrease naturally, and this affects the body in several ways. One hormone that is of particular interest to scientists and medical professionals is estrogen, because it directly impacts nitric oxide (NO) production within the body. NO plays a role in many biological functions, including pain sensitivity, blood pressure regulation, and hormone regulation. As menopause approaches, women may experience significant changes in their estrogen levels, resulting in greater potential for loss of NO and other side effects related to hormone imbalance.

The Effects of Aging on Hormones and Nitric Oxide Production

Several hormones positively stimulate endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) in the production of NO. These hormones include:

Estrogen
Testosterone
Progesterone
DHEA
Insulin
Growth Hormone
Triiodothyronine (T3)

Hormone production naturally declines as part of the aging process. As a result, this combined with other factors of aging cause eNOS function to decrease to around 50 percent by the time a person is 40 years old. By the time a person ages to 60 years old, eNOS only functions at 15% of capacity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]