How does menopause affects a womans hormonal levels?
There are changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause. As the ovaries become less functional, they produce less of these hormones and the body responds accordingly. The specific symptoms you experience and how significant (mild, moderate or severe) varies from woman to woman. A gradual decrease of estrogen generally allows your body to slowly adjust to the hormonal changes. When estrogen drops suddenly, as is seen when the ovaries are removed surgically (called surgical menopause), symptoms can be more severe.
Many practitioners used to believe that estrogen dominance was the real cause of menopause. They believed the solution was to re balance the ratio of estrogen to progesterone through progesterone supplementation. Today, most practitioners believe during menopause there is a significant drop in progesterone levels. Progesterone and estrogen are two types of hormones in women that basically work against one another for balance. It’s the ratio of estrogen to progesterone that causes estrogen dominance (hormone imbalance). During premenopause, estrogen levels tend to decrease slowly while progesterone levels drop rapidly. This is due to the result of fewer ovulation’s, fewer burst follicles and less progesterone.
The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause are caused by imbalances among a woman’s sex hormones – not just estrogen but progesterone and testosterone, too. Other hormones , including cortisol, insulin and thyroid hormones, also come into play because the sex hormones are interdependent with them. And all of these imbalances are related to diet, lifestyle and genetic factors.. Adjusting diet, exercise and sleep patterns is one key to supporting your body during this stressful time. Taking a great multi-vitamin will support your body’s nutritional needs, allowing it to heal the effects of stress.
A high level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone may indicate that your body is trying to stimulate ovulation but isn’t. When you have high Follicle Stimulating Hormones that usually signifies that you are entering into menopause. You can get a Follicle Stimulating Hormone test to check your levels. Also, in menopause your estrogen levels fall that circulate throughout your body. This is what causes the hot flashes, mood swings, appetite changes, et centra because estrogen is a protective hormone for woman. My mom started taking a herbal supplement when she started going through menopause and I was researching ways to help alleviate her symptoms. Hope that helps.
