3 Hormones To Keep in Check for Healthy Aging

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.

Hormones play a role in every aspect of the body including aging and longevity. Levels of most hormones decrease with aging, however that doesn't mean you have to suffer through it.

Maintaining the proper balance of these 3 hormones helps you support healthy aging and feel younger longer:

1) Cortisol

To keep it short: stress increases cortisol, and cortisol may speed aging. High cortisol does so by increasing inflammation, contributing to weight gain, blood sugar dysregulation, poor sleep, low energy and low mood.

Stress can also increase aging in our skin cells. Cortisol-induced collagen and elastin loss in the skin is 10 times greater than in any other tissue, meaning more wrinkles and thinner, duller skin.

Dr. Courtney checks cortisol using a 4 to 5 point cortisol test to ensure your levels stay balanced through the day. Learn more about testing and cortisol.

2) Melatonin

You may be wondering why the 'sleep hormone' is on this list. Melatonin doesn't just help you get deep, restful sleep, it's also a potent antioxidant which helps protect the body's cells against free radical damage. Melatonin is released cyclically, with production ramping up when the sun goes down and declining in the morning. Maintaining healthy sleep rhythms has been associated with longevity.

Preliminary studies have shown that melatonin is protective for the heart and brain as well, two extremely important organs to keep in top shape as we age.

We can test your melatonin levels. Learn more about testing and sleep.

3) Testosterone

Testosterone is often thought of as a male-only hormone, but it is extremely important for women too. If you're a patient of mine, you know how much I push for good testosterone levels for women.

People who are testosterone-deficient tend to notice increased belly fat, diminished muscle mass, low mood and libido, and loss of performance ability. Low testosterone is also associated with age-related illnesses like heart attack, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and depression.

The Good News: It is Possible To Rebalance Your Hormones

It's very possible to rebalance your hormone levels. Understanding where your levels are imbalanced using proper testing, along with following a comprehensive plan, is imperative. Some common hormone balancing tips are:

1) Test your hormones (don't just guess). Comprehensive hormone testing is available from Dr. Courtney.

2) Focus on a healthy lifestyle.

• Practice stress reduction techniques daily: meditation, deep breathing, acupuncture
• Have refreshing sleep every night. One key cause of cortisol imbalance is poor sleep.
• Exercise is one of the best ways to lower and balance hormones.

3) Optimize nutrition.

• Focusing on protein and healthy fats helps keep blood sugar, appetite and hormones in check throughout the day
• Timing carbohydrates and reducing sugar help as well
• Coffee can further worsen a cortisol imbalance. For some people, cutting it out can help dramatically.

4) Supplements can help a lot. Specific supplements are great for balancing and regulating cortisol levels. Some that can help are:

• Adaptogens like Rhodiola, Holy Basil and Ashwagandha
• Melatonin
• L-Theanine
• Phosphatidylserine
• Magnesium

Book your hormone discovery appointment here.

Always check in with your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider before starting any treatments or making changes to your healthcare plan.

About the author

Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.

Book a visit with Dr. Courtney