Hormones are those powerful chemical messengers that our bodies produce that tell our cells what to do. They are also responsible for regulating every organ and major body system. Hormones affect everything from your ability to fall asleep to your mood, thinking ability, cholesterol level, response to stress, and the speed at which you age.

As we age, hormone levels decline, creating a severe hormone imbalance that may contribute to many of the diseases associated with aging including depression, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, and loss of libido.

Women are especially vulnerable to decreasing hormonal levels as they age, becoming at risk for heart disease, Alzheimer's, and osteoporosis. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent these problems:

http://www.womenshealth.com/hormones_aging.html