What is the role of each hormone in perimenopause?

Anyone else feeling totally overwhelmed by the amount of information regarding fluctuating and surging hormones? Nope not just me then......  

I've gone deep into what each of our hormones are doing during this changing cycle of our life.  

During perimenopause, changes in the levels of several hormones can cause a variety of symptoms. Here is a brief overview of the role of each hormone: 

• Oestrogen: Oestrogen is the primary female hormone and is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. During perimenopause, fluctuations in oestrogen levels can cause irregular periods and hot flashes. 
• Progesterone: Progesterone is produced in the ovaries and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. As women approach menopause, progesterone levels may decrease, leading to irregular periods. 

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries. During perimenopause, higher levels of FSH can indicate a decline in ovarian function and a decreased ability to produce oestrogen. 
• Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH is produced by the pituitary gland and triggers ovulation. As women approach menopause, LH levels may increase and become more irregular, leading to unpredictable ovulation and menstrual cycles. 
• Thyroid hormones: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. During perimenopause, changes in thyroid hormone levels can cause mood swings, weight changes, and fatigue. 

Overall, these hormonal changes during perimenopause can have a significant impact on a woman's physical and emotional well-being.  

What is the role of testosterone in perimenopause? 

Testosterone is typically considered a male hormone, but it is also produced in smaller amounts in women. The role of testosterone in perimenopause is not well understood, but it is believed to play a role in sexual function, bone health, and muscle mass. 

During perimenopause, levels of testosterone may decline, leading to decreased sexual desire and a reduction in muscle mass. Low levels of testosterone can also contribute to osteoporosis and other health problems. 

What is the role of Oestrogen in perimenopause? 

Oestrogen is a primary female hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining reproductive health. During perimenopause, the levels of oestrogen in a woman's body can fluctuate, leading to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. 

Some of the key roles of oestrogen in perimenopause include: 

• Regulating the menstrual cycle: Oestrogen helps regulate the menstrual cycle by controlling the growth and shedding of the uterine lining. Fluctuations in oestrogen levels during perimenopause can cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding. 
• Controlling hot flashes and night sweats: Oestrogen helps regulate body temperature, and fluctuations in oestrogen levels can cause hot flashes and night sweats, which are common during perimenopause. 
• Maintaining bone health: Oestrogen helps maintain bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases. 
• Regulating mood: Oestrogen is also involved in regulating mood and can affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. During perimenopause, changes in oestrogen levels can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. 

What is the role of progesterone in perimenopause? 

Progesterone is a hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. During perimenopause, the levels of progesterone in a woman's body can fluctuate, leading to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. 

Some of the key roles of progesterone in perimenopause include: 

• Regulating the menstrual cycle: Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle by preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining the endometrial lining. Fluctuations in progesterone levels during perimenopause can cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding. 
• Maintaining bone health: Progesterone helps maintain bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. As progesterone levels decline during perimenopause, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases. 
• Regulating mood: Progesterone can affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain and can contribute to mood swings and depression. 
• Supporting sleep: Progesterone has a calming effect on the body and can help regulate sleep patterns. 

What is the role of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in perimenopause? 

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and fertility. During perimenopause, the levels of FSH in a woman's body can increase as the ovaries begin to lose their ability to produce oestrogen and produce eggs. 

Some of the key roles of FSH in perimenopause include: 

• Stimulating egg production: FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, which contain eggs. During perimenopause, the levels of FSH increase as the ovaries lose their ability to produce eggs and produce oestrogen. 
• Regulating the menstrual cycle: FSH helps regulate the menstrual cycle by controlling the production of oestrogen and progesterone. Fluctuations in FSH levels during perimenopause can cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding. 

• Indicating declining fertility: Elevated levels of FSH during perimenopause can indicate declining fertility and a decreased ability to conceive. 

What is the role of Luteinizing hormone (LH) in perimenopause? 

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and fertility. During perimenopause, the levels of LH in a woman's body can fluctuate, leading to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. 

Some of the key roles of LH in perimenopause include: 

• Regulating the menstrual cycle: LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle by controlling the production of oestrogen and progesterone. Fluctuations in LH levels during perimenopause can cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding. 
• Triggering ovulation: LH triggers the release of an egg from the ovaries during ovulation. During perimenopause, the ovaries may become less sensitive to LH, leading to irregular ovulation and decreased fertility. 
• Indicating declining fertility: Elevated levels of LH during perimenopause can indicate declining fertility and a decreased ability to conceive. 

What is the role of Thyroid hormones in perimenopause? 

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in regulating the metabolism and overall health of the body. During perimenopause, changes in hormone levels can affect the function of the thyroid gland, leading to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. 

Some of the key roles of thyroid hormones in perimenopause include: 

• Regulating metabolism: Thyroid hormones help regulate the body's metabolism, affecting the rate at which the body burns energy and uses oxygen. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause fatigue, weight gain, and a slowed metabolism, while high levels can cause weight loss, increased heart rate, and other symptoms. 
• Maintaining energy levels: Thyroid hormones help maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue. Fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels during perimenopause can cause changes in energy levels and fatigue. 

• Regulating mood: Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating mood, and changes in thyroid hormone levels can contribute to depression and anxiety. 
• Supporting bone health: Thyroid hormones help regulate bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Low levels of thyroid hormones during perimenopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. 

What does hormone replacement therapy do to these hormones? 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve symptoms related to hormonal imbalances during perimenopause and menopause. HRT can involve the replacement of one or more hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. 

The specific effects of HRT on these hormones will depend on the type of therapy being used, as well as the individual's symptoms and health needs. However, some general effects of HRT on these hormones include: 

• Oestrogen: HRT can replace the oestrogen that the body is no longer producing during perimenopause and menopause, helping to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss. 
• Progesterone: HRT can replace the progesterone that the body is no longer producing, helping to balance oestrogen levels and prevent endometrial cancer. 
• Testosterone: HRT can replace testosterone in women experiencing low testosterone levels, which can help improve energy, mood, and sexual function. 
• Thyroid hormones: HRT can replace thyroid hormones in women experiencing imbalances, which can help regulate metabolism and mood, and support bone health. 

Natural HRT options 

It's possible to use some amazing herbs to help balance your hormones, which is where I step in.  

I use Ashwagandha on a daily basis to help balance me out. This powerful adaptogen herbs helps to bring about balance on the body. Interacting with the stress hormones cortisol and brining about an equilibrium on your body.  

If you’d like to try Ashwagandha you can find this in my No1 Energise blend of tea.