The three stages of female hormones Menopause is not a single point in time when hormone production is switched off for good, but a gradual evolution that brings an end to fertility. The ultimate pause in ovarian function is a normal feature of growing older that reshapes the way we think, feel and phase into the “second adulthood”– but we can treat the changes as they occur to help you look and feel your best. Pre-menopause – the menstruating years During their 20s and 30s, women should experience fairly regular cycles with balanced testosterone, estrogen and progesterone production. But increasingly, younger females who are prone to excessive stress, exercise, crash dieting and contraceptive use are not ovulating regularly. Irregular cycles can lead to symptoms of hormonal imbalance, severe PMS and more serious health issues before the end of periods and at increasingly younger ages. Peri-menopause – the roller-coaster years In the years approaching menopause, 40-something women begin to experience erratic cycles, as ovaries start to sputter and testosterone, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate dozens of times a day. A whole new world of symptoms, from hot flashes and mood swings to insomnia and low libido, take women on a hormonal roller-coaster ride. Now the search for symptom relief begins in earnest! Menopause/post menopause – the end of periods As the ovaries take their final bow, ovulation ends and menopause begins. Falling levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone trigger unexpected symptoms that can surprise women. With less hormone to go around, their role in protecting the health of the breasts, bones, skin, brain and heart is greatly diminished. Now is the time when learning to balance hormones naturally becomes more important than ever. Common hormone imbalances The right balance of hormones is vital to a woman’s health. But at any age when hormone levels are dropping, a deficiency of one hormone can trigger excess of another and result in common imbalances such as:
Low testosterone/DHEA Decreases in bone/muscle mass, metabolism, energy, strength, stamina, exercise tolerance, libido Cortisol high/low (stressed adrenals) Insomnia, anxiety, chronic fatigue, allergies, sugar cravings, lowered immunities, weight gain
Estrogen dominance Mood swings, migraines, fat gain in hips and thighs, low thyroid symptoms (cold all the time, slowed metabolism), higher breast cancer risk Low estrogen and progesterone Hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, foggy thinking, memory lapse, vaginal dryness High testosterone/DHEA Acne, hair loss, muscle mass, metabolism fat, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
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