Menopause is a natural process in every woman's life, but the hormonal changes associated with it can have quite an impact on your body and well-being. Understanding what is happening in your body can help you better cope with this phase. In this blog, we discuss the main hormonal changes, what they mean, and what you can do to reduce symptoms.
Hormones regulate your period
During your fertile years, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone regulate your menstrual cycle. They cause an egg to mature each month and prepare your uterus for a possible pregnancy. Does fertilization not occur? Then the endometrium is shed and the cycle starts again. In addition to this important function, these hormones have many other effects on your body.
What does estrogen do?
Estrogen is a versatile hormone that not only regulates the menstrual cycle and fertility. It also plays a role in:
- Muscle building and recovery: Estrogen supports your muscles and helps with recovery after exercise.
- Firm skin: It stimulates the production of collagen, keeping your skin firm and elastic.
- Bone Health: Estrogen protects your bones from breaking down and plays a role in maintaining strong bones.
- Mental well-being: It supports the action of serotonin, the "happiness hormone," which helps regulate your mood.
What does progesterone do?
Progesterone is often considered the "pregnancy hormone" because it prepares the endometrium for possible implantation of a fertilized egg and maintains a pregnancy. But it does more:
- Calming effect: Progesterone helps your body relax and contributes to a sense of calm.
- Sleep quality: It promotes a good night's sleep by acting as a natural tranquilizer.
Changes during menopause
Each woman is born with about 1 million eggs. Each month, the number of eggs in the ovaries decreases. By age 50, you have about 1,000 eggs left. When the ovaries have insufficient or almost no eggs left, the production of hormones starts to fluctuate. As a result: the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and eventually the complete absence of menstruation.
You can divide this into several stages:
- Perimenopause: The period prior to menopause when hormonal fluctuations begin.
- Menopause: The time when you have not had a period for 12 months.
- Postmenopause: The years following menopause, during which hormonal changes stabilize.
During perimenopause, your hormone balance changes. Progesterone production drops first, followed by estrogen. Your body tries to adapt to the new situation, but it does not do so very quickly. As a result, menopause symptoms occur. These can last for about 5 to 10 years.
What can you do about menopause symptoms?
Due to the decrease in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, you may experience various menopause symptoms. This is not surprising, especially when you realize how important these hormones are to your body.
The decrease in estrogen can cause you to suffer from fatigue, dry skin, hot flashes, mood swings and decreased libido, among other symptoms. This hormone also plays a crucial role in the health of your bones. Its decrease decreases bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis (osteoporosis). In addition, estrogen affects mucous membranes, which can lead to vaginal dryness.
The decrease in progesterone, the hormone that has a calming effect on your nervous system, can intensify feelings of anxiety and irritability. Progesterone also contributes to healthy sleep; thus, a deficiency can cause insomnia and restlessness.
The good news is that there are many ways to alleviate these symptoms:
- Nutrition: Eat plenty of vegetables (at least 500 grams per day), healthy omega-3 fatty acids and enough protein.
- Exercise: Regular exercise, such as strength training or yoga, helps keep bones strong and reduce stress.
- Lifestyle: Avoid stress, establish an evening routine for better sleep and take time for relaxation.
- Supplementation: Specific supplements can help during this period. Ask for a free supplement consultation request, and together we'll see which supplements fit your needs.
Also read: What can you do yourself against menopause symptoms?
A new balance
Although menopause can be a challenging period, your body eventually finds a new balance. Your hormone levels stabilize, and many women experience an improved sense of well-being after this phase. It is a new phase in your life, where you can pay more attention to yourself and your health.
Summary
Menopause brings major hormonal changes that affect your entire body. By understanding what is happening and taking good care of yourself with proper nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle, you can make this phase more enjoyable. Are you suffering from menopause symptoms and want to know more about what you can do? Contact our therapists for personalized advice.
