Macular Degeneration and Menopause

As people age, their hormone levels start to decline. Menopause especially is associated with decreased levels of estrogen, and this lack of estrogen has been linked to various mental and physical health conditions—many of them well known, like hot flashes and mood swings. However, research suggests that estrogen and other hormones may play a role in vision health as well. For instance, DHEA (a precursor to male and female sex hormones) is significantly lower in people with macular degeneration, and women who have early menopause (and its associated estrogen loss) tend to have more cases of the eye disease. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been found to help decrease the risk of developing many conditions related to aging, especially when used in conjunction with targeted lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, improving nutrition through diet and supplements, and personalized exercise plans. If you have or are at risk for macular degeneration, developing a targeted health plan could help protect your vision for years to come. Read more…