The menopause is a natural process in every woman's life, but the hormonal changes that accompany it can have a significant 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 most important hormonal changes, what they mean, and what you can do to reduce symptoms.
Hormones regulate your menstruation
During your fertile years, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone regulate your menstrual cycle. They ensure that an egg cell matures every month and prepare your uterus for a potential pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, the uterine lining is shed and the cycle begins again. In addition to this important function, these hormones have many more influences on your body.
What does estrogen do?
Estrogen is a versatile hormone that does more than just regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility. It also plays a role in:
- Muscle growth 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 against breakdown and plays a role in maintaining strong bones.
- Mental well-being: It supports the function of serotonin, the "happiness hormone," which helps regulate your mood.
What does progesterone do?
Progesterone is often seen as the "pregnancy hormone" because it prepares the uterine lining for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg and sustains 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 sedative.
Changes during the menopause
Every woman is born with about 1 million egg cells. Each month, the number of egg cells in the ovaries decreases. By age 50, you have about 1,000 egg cells left. When the ovaries have insufficient or almost no egg cells left, hormone production begins to fluctuate. The result: irregular menstrual cycles and, eventually, the complete cessation of menstruation.
You can divide this into different phases:
- Perimenopause: The period leading up to menopause when hormonal fluctuations begin.
- Menopause: The moment you have not had a period for 12 months.
- Postmenopause: The years after menopause, when hormonal changes stabilize.
During perimenopause, your hormonal balance shifts. Progesterone production drops first, followed by estrogen. Your body tries to adapt to the new situation, but it doesn't happen quickly. This leads to menopausal symptoms, which can last for about 5 to 10 years.
What can you do about menopausal symptoms?
Due to the drop in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, you may experience various menopausal symptoms. This is not strange, especially when you realize how important these hormones are for your body.
Due to the decrease in estrogen, you may suffer from fatigue, dry skin, hot flashes, mood swings, and a reduced libido. This hormone also plays a crucial role in bone health. As it drops, bone density decreases, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, estrogen affects mucous membranes, which can lead to vaginal dryness.
The drop in progesterone, the hormone that has a calming effect on your nervous system, can increase feelings of anxiety and irritability. Progesterone also contributes to healthy sleep; a deficiency can therefore cause insomnia and restlessness.
The good news is that there are many ways to soothe these symptoms:
- Nutrition: Eat plenty of vegetables (at least 500 grams per day), healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and sufficient protein.
- Exercise: Regular exercise, such as strength training or yoga, helps keep bones strong and reduces stress.
- Lifestyle: Avoid stress, set an evening routine for better sleep, and take time for relaxation.
- Supplementation: Specific supplements can help during this period. Request a free supplement advice, and we will work together to see which supplements fit your needs.
Read also: What can you do yourself against menopausal symptoms?
A new balance
Although the 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 stage in your life where you can give more attention to yourself and your health.
Summary
The menopause brings major hormonal changes that affect your entire body. By understanding what is happening and taking good care of yourself with the right nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle, you can make this phase more pleasant. Are you suffering from menopausal symptoms and want to know more about what you can do? Contact our therapists for personal advice.
