When you hear people talk about hormones, they’re talking about youthful shenanigans and indiscretion. But we don’t really talk about the female experience with hormones. Such as menstruation, breastfeeding, and menopause. The reality is when menopause hits, you may struggle. You struggle with headaches, mood swings, anxiety, and hot flashes. Why? Because your sex hormones are out of balance.
The purpose of sex hormones
Sex hormones are responsible for sexual reproduction and development. In women, the two primary hormones we’re concerned with are estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen plays many roles in the human body. It supports proper mental and immune function. It maintains a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Estrogen dons many robes. During puberty and pregnancy, this hormone is responsible for changes in breast tissue. It also controls the growth of the uterine lining.
Progesterone is popularly known as the “pregnancy hormone.” After ovulation, your body produces more progesterone. And as its levels increase gradually, the uterus prepares itself to accept a fertilized egg. Once the fertilized egg implants itself within the uterine lining, progesterone will support pregnancy. If fertilization doesn’t happen during the second half of the menstrual cycle, the uterine lining begins to shed. Thus, menstruation occurs, and a new cycle begins.
Sex hormones and menopause
Now, you are probably wondering what this has to do with menopause? The menstrual cycle occurs as a result of predictable hormone fluctuations. A well choreographed, precisely timed dance. But, as your body produces less estrogen and progesterone, that timing is off. (Cue the irregular periods.).
Symptoms of low progesterone include headaches, anxiety, weight gain, and breast tenderness. High levels of progesterone are associated with dizziness, drowsiness, and bloating. If your estrogen is low, you might experience hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, and dry skin. On the other hand, high estrogen levels can translate to breast tenderness, fatigue, decreased libido, and weight gain. And, what else? Mood swings.
Are we having fun yet?
I want to make it perfectly, crystal clear that it isn’t you.
You aren’t broken.
It’s not all in your head.
So, what can you do about the mayhem your hormones are causing?
What you’re going through IS natural. However, that doesn’t mean you need to grin and bear it.
There is no one-size-fits-all “cure” for perimenopause. Although I promise it does end, eventually.
Mood swings are a great example of a challenging symptom. It could be the result of high estrogen or low estrogen. It could be the result of low progesterone, high cortisol, low thryoid or low testosterone. Or some combination of these. That’s one of the reasons it’s so hard to find the answers you seek.
You deserve better than being dismissed.
You require support from someone who understands, someone who is committed to your well-being.
That’s why I’m writing this.
There is power in knowledge and understanding.
It puts your feet on solid ground and gives you a place to start.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, grab your Glowing Skin Guide for Menopause and Beyond. And read on! If you haven’t signed up for your copy of my guide yet, scroll down to the bottom of the page to get yours now!
Otherwise, grab a tall glass of water. Give yourself permission to rest for a moment.
Breathe. Hydrate. Relax.
Here’s to making yourself a priority. Take the first step towards rewriting this chapter in your life.
Ready to dive in? Click here to book a free consult today!