The Hormonal Shift: Menopause

The Hormonal Shift

Menopause brings a shift in your hormones. Understanding what’s happening inside your body will support you to identify the changes that need to be made to not only reduce your menopause symptoms but to also optimise your health.

Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. This transition is driven by hormonal changes, specifically the decline in oestrogen and progesterone, two key hormones produced by the ovaries. But this isn’t the whole picture.

drawing of a womb held in a pair of hands on a pink background

Understanding Oestrogen and Progesterone

graph of normal menstrual cycle

Oestrogen and progesterone play vital roles in a woman’s body. Oestrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy, while progesterone is crucial for maintaining pregnancy.

During the reproductive years, the levels of these hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.

Cycle tracking in your menstrual years can support a smoother menopause transition. If you are ready this in preparation for menopause then I would highly recommend starting to track your cycle and any related symptoms as this is a great indication of what is going on in your body and how you can support it at key points in your cycle.

The Menopause Transition graph sourced BBC

However, as you approach menopause, the ovaries gradually decrease the production of oestrogen and progesterone. This doesn’t follow any set pattern or cycle.

You can find that your periods are erratic , you may encounter new premenstrual symptoms and you may find that you can no longer predict your energy highs and lows over the month.

The Impact of Declining Hormones

As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, you may start experiencing various symptoms. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and dry skin.

You may also experience changes in you menstrual cycle before it eventually stops.

Similarly, the decrease in progesterone can contribute to symptoms such as sleep disturbances, mood changes, and irregular periods.

It’s important to note that every woman’s experience with menopause is unique. Some may go through this transition with minimal discomfort, while others may find their symptoms more challenging. Your symptoms will be unique to you and your unique biology.

And remember there are over 50 menopause related symptoms so it is always worth taking note of any new symptoms you have even if at first you don’t think they could be menopause related because things like changes in energy levels, lower pain tolerance and increased anxiety can be menopause related.

Other Hormones Involved in Menopause

While oestrogen and progesterone are the primary hormones that change during menopause, they are not the only ones. 

This often comes as a surprise for many women mainly because the focus is firmly on oestrogen and progesterone rather than an holistic approach to everything that is going on in your body at this time.

The reduction of oestrogen and progesterone causes a ripple effect on your hormones and other body systems. This is why there are so many different menopause symptoms and each woman’s set of symptoms is different.

Other hormones, including insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, can also be affected and contribute to menopause symptoms. These in turn can then cause hormones linked to your digestion and sleep to become out of sync.

Let’s take a look at insulin, cortisol and thyroid hormones.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. During menopause, changes in oestrogen levels can affect insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This can result in symptoms such as increased hunger, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, it can also contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cortisol

Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” can also be impacted by menopause. Fluctuating oestrogen levels can lead to increased cortisol production, which can cause symptoms such as sleep disturbances, mood swings, and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. High cortisol levels can also weaken the immune system, making post menopausal women more susceptible to illness.

Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, body temperature and heart rate. During menopause, changes in oestrogen levels can affect thyroid function, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. In some cases, it can also lead to more serious conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

It’s important to remember that every woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and these hormonal changes may not affect everyone in the same way. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In the UK your GP or nurse practitioner will carry out thyroid and HbA1c as part of your well woman check-up.

Navigating the Hormonal Shift

While these changes can be unsettling, they are a normal part of menopause. There are various treatments available that can help manage these symptoms, ranging from lifestyle modifications to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Remember, menopause is not a disease but a natural phase of life. With the right support and resources, you can navigate this hormonal shift and embrace the journey of menopause.

Nutritional therapy

Nutritional therapy is a powerful tool to support hormone balance and detoxification during menopause.

A well-balanced diet can help regulate hormone levels, including oestrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during this transition.

Foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as flaxseeds, can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body and may help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

Additionally, consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables can support the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to eliminate excess hormones and toxins that can exacerbate menopause symptoms.

Adequate hydration and dietary fibre are also crucial for maintaining digestive health and promoting detoxification.

I take an holistic approach not only looking at your menopause symptoms but looking at everything that is going on in your body, your health history, your emotional well-being, your lifestyle as well as your nutrition.

You have a unique biology, a unique set of circumstances, a unique set of likes and dislikes plus a unique set of goals. All of this is taken into considerations when creating a personalised and targeted nutritional therapy plan for you.

It’s important to remember that each woman’s nutritional needs are unique .. what works for your friends doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you. A personalised nutritional therapy plan can provide the most benefit because it is solely focused on you.

If you would like to know how we can work together then please drop me an email lesley@nourish-nt.com 

Next Time

Look out for the next blog in the series when I will be discussing how genetics can play a role in when you experience menopause and the severity of your symptoms.

Lesley xx