Hormones for Menopause, Andropause, PMS & more!

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is defined as one year menstruation-free and Peri-menopause is the 3-5 year (sometimes longer) transition phase between having normal cycles to having no menstrual cycle. Both oestrogen and progesterone (and the other sex hormones including DHEA, pregnenolone, testosterone ), decline with age.

Progesterone levels decline at a much quicker and greater rate than that of oestrogen.  This creates a gap or imbalance between the two hormones which can result in the array of symptoms that some women experience during this transition.  They can reflect low progesterone and oestrogen dominant symptoms or a combination of low oestrogen and low progesterone … there may also be symptoms due to low levels of the other hormones .. low thyroid hormones, DHEA, testosterone and more.  

HOW DO WE CHECK OR TEST HORMONE LEVELS?

A blood test can partially determine what is going on however due to the cyclical change in hormone levels throughout the month and without regular cycles this may be difficult to pinpoint. A clinical picture of symptoms can be helpful in deciphering which hormones need restoring to bring about balance and control some of the symptoms. 

COMMON PERI-MENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS:

• Headaches, night sweats, hot flushes, palpitations,(collectively known as vasomotor symptoms),
• Lack of concentration, ‘foggy’ thought patterns
• Irritability, depression, anxiety, loss of libido
• Lethargy, insomnia (difficulty falling and/or staying asleep),
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse), vaginal atrophy (shrinkage) and dryness, urinary problems, raised cholesterol, increased risk of bone fractures.

WHAT IS ANDROPAUSE?

Andropause is a term used to describe the decline in hormone levels experienced in men as they age.  

WHAT ARE ANDROPAUSE SYMPTOMS?

This is often shown by a lack of energy, muscle tone decline, reduced libido, flat mood, less confidence and sense of well-being and other medical ailments/conditions.  

HOW DO WE CHECK HORMONE LEVELS IN MEN?

It is a good idea for men to visit their Doctor for a maintenance check, a blood test to determine hormone levels, cholesterol and other health markers. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is important in detection of prostate cancer risk, particularly if men are experiencing changes in urination patterns (during the night).  Restoring hormone balance in men is something that is often overlooked but can be very beneficial in promoting optimal health and well-being. 

HORMONE LEVELS IN MEN THROUGH THE AGES
Did you know… that men 30-40 years ago had generally higher levels of the male hormone testosterone throughout their lifespan.. as compared to substantially lower testosterone levels seen in men of all ages today! Interesting to delve into why this may be… Lifestyle? Environment? Stress levels? 

WHAT IS PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)?

PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) or PMT (pre-menstrual tension, is an array of symptoms that can be experienced after ovulation (day 10-14 usually), in women of all ages, to varying degrees. It is more common in the Western world which may be attributed to a combination of genes, diet and lifestyle factors.   It is largely due to an imbalance in oestrogen and progesterone most commonly in the second half of the cycle or close to menstruation when progesterone levels take a rapid decline. Some women experience symptoms of low progesterone throughout the month.

The symptoms most commonly experienced are those of low progesterone/oestrogen  dominance (progesterone/oestrogen imbalance):

• Headaches
• Lack of concentration
• Poor sleep
• Cravings
• Abdominal bloating, fluid retention
• Irritability, loss of libido.
• Fatigue
• Depression, low mood

HOW COULD WE TREAT OR ALLEVIATE PMS?

Supplementation with progesterone in the latter half of the cycle is usually a very effective way of bringing the hormones back into balance and improving quality of life during this time of the month! You would need to visit your GP to discuss this and a prescription is required.  Learn more about bio-identical hormones here or contact us for further information.