Hormone Changes With Menopause
Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life. Peri-menopause hormonal changes and symptoms can start years before the point in time called menopause.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the end of menstrual periods, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later. It is diagnosed retrospectively after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruating. Its a normal physiological process after the decline in ovarian function, leading to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone.
Hormone Changes Peri and Post-Menopause
The primary hormonal change is a decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen is vital not just for regulating the menstrual cycle, but also for maintaining bone density and influencing cardiovascular health.
During the years leading up to menopause, the perimenopausal period, estrogen fluctuations lead to irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Long term, low estrogen levels can also increase risk of bone density changes.
Risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis:
where the bones become less dense, weakened, and brittle. Women can take steps to maintain bone health by increasing regular weight-bearing exercises and maintaining adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
Risk of cardiovascular disease:
estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Women can manage cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity through lifestyle modifications and appropriate medications.
Risk of genitourinary health:
lower estrogen levels lead to vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls, and urinary symptoms such as urgency and frequency. Women may benefit from using lubricants or moisturizers, and in some cases, vaginal estrogen therapy may be recommended by their physician.
Symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances
Sometimes these symptoms are manageable through lifestyle modifications, such as wearing layered clothing, avoiding triggers, practicing relaxation techniques. Discuss with your physician about the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and/or other medications that might help with your symptoms.