Menopause
Embracing Change Together
The Role Of Hormones
During menopause, hormonal changes disrupt the delicate balance that keeps our bodies functioning smoothly. Estrogen and progesterone levels decline significantly, which can trigger symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and potentially mood stability. These shifts can lead to symptoms that vary in intensity and duration for each woman, impacting physical comfort, emotional well-being, and overall health.
Estrogen: the details
What is it? Estrogen is a group of hormones primarily synthesised in the ovaries, with additional production occurring in fat cells and the adrenal glands. Estrogen receptors are distributed widely throughout the body, influencing various physiological processes including reproductive function, bone health, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function.
Premenopause: Estrogen levels fluctuate across the menstrual cycle, peaking during the follicular phase to stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles and promote the thickening of the endometrial lining¹.
Perimenopause: Declining estrogen levels during perimenopause are associated with irregular menstrual cycles, vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flashes and night sweats), vaginal dryness, and changes in mood².
Menopause and Postmenopause: Persistent low estrogen levels post-menopause contribute to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease³.
Progesterone: the details
What is it? Progesterone is a hormone that plays a critical role in the female reproductive system. It is produced primarily in the ovaries following ovulation each month and is crucial for preparing the endometrium for implantation and supporting early pregnancy⁴.
Premenopause: Progesterone levels fluctuate cyclically, reaching their peak during the luteal phase to maintain the endometrium and support pregnancy⁵.
Perimenopause: Declining progesterone levels contribute to irregular menstrual cycles and may impact mood and sleep patterns as ovarian function declines⁶.
Menopause and Postmenopause: Absence of progesterone production post-menopause accompanies the cessation of menstrual cycles and contributes to hormonal imbalance symptoms⁷.
FSH and LH: the details
What are they? Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) are gonadotropins secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that regulate ovarian function.
Premenopause: FSH stimulates follicular development and estrogen production, while LH triggers ovulation and promotes progesterone production⁸.
Perimenopause: Elevated FSH and LH levels in perimenopause reflect diminished ovarian reserve and contribute to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and menstrual irregularities⁹.
Menopause and Postmenopause: Persistently elevated FSH and LH levels post-menopause indicate decreased ovarian function and are associated with hypoestrogenic symptoms and bone loss¹⁰.
Testosterone: the details
What is it? Although predominantly considered a male hormone, testosterone a hormone, produced in smaller amounts in women, primarily by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Premenopause: Testosterone plays a role in maintaining libido, muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being in women¹¹.
Perimenopause: Gradual decline in testosterone levels during perimenopause may contribute to decreased libido, reduced muscle strength, and changes in mood¹².
Menopause and Postmenopause: Further decline in testosterone post-menopause may exacerbate symptoms of sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass¹³.
