Menopause is a natural process in every woman's life, but the hormonal changes that accompany it can significantly impact your body and well-being. Understanding what is happening in your body can help you cope better with this phase. In this blog, we discuss the most important hormonal changes, what they mean, and what you can do to alleviate symptoms.
Hormones regulate your menstruation
During your fertile years, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone regulate your menstrual cycle. They ensure that an egg matures every month and prepare your uterus for a possible pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, the uterine lining is shed, and the cycle starts again. Besides this important function, these hormones have many more 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 aids in recovery after exercise.
- Firm skin: It stimulates collagen production, keeping your skin firm and elastic.
- Bone health: Estrogen protects your bones from 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 a possible 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 menopause
Every woman is born with approximately 1 million eggs. Every month, the number of eggs in the ovaries decreases. By age 50, you have about 1000 eggs left. When the ovaries have insufficient or almost no eggs left, hormone production fluctuates, resulting in an irregular menstrual cycle and eventually the complete absence of menstruation.
This can be divided into different phases:
- Perimenopause: The period leading up to menopause during which hormonal fluctuations begin.
- Menopause: The point at which you have not had a menstrual period for 12 months.
- Postmenopause: The years after menopause, during which hormonal changes stabilize.
During perimenopause, your hormone balance changes. Progesterone production declines first, followed by estrogen. Your body tries to adapt to the new situation, but this doesn't happen quickly, leading to menopausal symptoms. These can last for about 5 to 10 years.
What can you do about menopausal symptoms?
Due to the decline in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, you may experience various menopausal symptoms. This is not surprising, especially when you realize how important these hormones are for your body.
Due to the decrease in estrogen, you may experience fatigue, dry skin, hot flashes, mood swings, and a reduced libido, among other things. This hormone also plays a crucial role in bone health. Its decline leads to decreased bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss). Additionally, estrogen affects mucous membranes, which can lead to vaginal dryness.
The decline in progesterone, the hormone that has a calming effect on your nervous system, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and irritability. Progesterone also contributes to a healthy night's sleep; a deficiency can therefore 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 sufficient protein.
- Exercise: Regular exercise, such as strength training or yoga, helps keep bones strong and reduces stress.
- Lifestyle: Avoid stress, establish 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 determine which supplements suit your needs.
Read also: What you can do yourself against menopausal 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 stage in your life, where you can pay more attention to yourself and your health.
Summary
Menopause brings significant 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. Do you suffer from menopausal symptoms and want to know more about what you can do? Contact our therapists for personal advice.
