Get To Know Your Endocrine System
During menopause, several hormones in the endocrine system play significant roles in regulating the various changes a woman's body undergoes. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. These hormones control essential processes such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood. Major glands in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and ovaries in women. The endocrine system operates through feedback loops, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA-axis), ensuring that hormone levels remain balanced to maintain homeostasis. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in adapting the body to changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. To become your best self-advocate in and out of your physician’s office, learning more about your body is essential to optimal health. Here are some of the key hormones involved:
Estrogen:
The primary female sex hormone, which significantly declines during menopause, leading to various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Estrogen also plays a role in maintaining insulin sensitivity, regulating body weight, and managing glucose metabolism. Many women gain weight around their midsection during menopause- now you know why. Declining estrogen also impacts hair growth - no wonder up to 70% of post-menopausal women experience loss of volume, widening of the part, and receding hairline.
Progesterone:
This crucial sex hormone starts to decline first. This decline can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and is associated with symptoms like mood swings and sleep disturbances. Progesterone plays a crucial role in bone health, stimulating osteoblasts (bone-building cells), and regulating blood pressure.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
Levels of FSH increase during menopause as the ovaries reduce their production of estrogen and progesterone. High FSH levels are often used to diagnose menopause.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
Similar to FSH, LH levels rise during menopause. LH works with FSH to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Testosterone:
Although often considered a male hormone, testosterone is also important in women. Levels decline with age, starting in your 20’s, and reduced testosterone during menopause can affect libido, energy levels, and muscle mass. Testosterone converts to a highly potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase and can trigger hair loss in women susceptible to high levels of DHT. Checking your DHY levels if you are prone to genetic hair loss is beneficial before starting testosterone therapy.
Cortisol:
This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands and responds to stressors. Stressors can include taking certain medications, poor diet, toxins or being in a bad relationship, job dissatisfaction, and over-exercising. Menopausal changes can affect cortisol levels, contributing to increased stress and anxiety. When cortisol levels are chronically elevated, women may experience adverse side effects, such as weight gain, low energy, poor sleep, increased appetite, decreased satiety signals, and high blood pressure.
Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4):
The function of the thyroid gland can be affected during menopause, leading to symptoms that overlap with menopausal symptoms like weight gain, mood changes, and fatigue. It’s important to work with a provider who understands the thyroid and looks at a TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 panel, and possibly antibodies to rule out any dysfunction.
Understanding the role of these hormones can help manage menopausal symptoms and maintain overall health during this transition. Learn how to prep for your provider appointment here. Are you just starting to consider your preventative care plan? Learn more about taking steps to set yourself up for success here.