Head to toe, good to know
Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone play significant roles in how our bodies function. From perimenopause onwards, these hormones, along with others, undergo shifts that can impact various aspects of our health.
Menopause symptoms and hormones
The changes experienced from head to toe throughout the stages of menopause, as well as ongoing health post-menopause, are all connected to hormonal shifts. The symptoms experienced are different for everyone with some being more common than others.
Allergies and increased sensitivities
Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes increase sensitivity to allergens, resulting in the worsening of pre-existing allergies or new allergic reactions.
Bladder function and health
Bladder health can be significantly impacted by menopause due to declining estrogen levels, leading to symptoms such as urinary incontinence, increased frequency of urination, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and vaginal dryness. Pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, hormone replacement therapy, can help manage these symptoms and improve bladder function.
Bloating
A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen due to water retention and digestive changes during menopause.
Body odor changes
Some women report changes in body odor during menopause, possibly due to hormonal changes and shifts in sweat gland activity.
Bone loss and osteoporosis
Decreased bone density means bones become weaker and more fragile due to the loss of estrogen, increasing the risk of fractures.
Brain function and cognitive health
Brain fog: A decline in memory, focus, and mental clarity that can accompany menopause, often referred to as ‘brain fog.’
Breast tissue
Breast tenderness: Swelling and tenderness in the breasts that can occur during perimenopause, similar to symptoms experienced during the menstrual cycle.
Loss of breast fullness: Reduction in breast tissue and loss of elasticity in the skin of the breasts.
Decreased libido
A reduction in sexual desire or interest, which may be linked to hormonal changes or other menopause symptoms.
Dizziness
Some women experience episodes of lightheadedness or dizziness during menopause, possibly linked to hormonal fluctuations.
Dry eyes
A decrease in tear production, leading to dry, irritated, or itchy eyes. This can be uncomfortable and may affect vision if left untreated.
Electric shock sensation
A sudden, brief sensation that feels like an electric shock, which may be triggered by movement or occur just before a hot flash. It is believed to be caused by hormonal changes affecting the nervous system.
Fatique
Persistent feelings of tiredness or exhaustion, which can be exacerbated by poor sleep and other menopause symptoms.
Formication
A rare sensation that feels like insects crawling on or under the skin, often linked to falling estrogen levels and nerve function changes.
Gum health
Gum issues: Hormonal changes can lead to gum sensitivity, bleeding, or discomfort, potentially linked to dry mouth or other oral changes.
Burning mouth syndrome: A burning sensation in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat without an apparent cause. It can also be accompanied by a dry mouth or a metallic taste.
Gut health and digestion
Gut health and microbiome changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and gas. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, may also contribute to inflammation and other health conditions.
Slower digestion: Menopause can slow down the digestive process, causing symptoms like constipation, bloating, and discomfort. This is due to the effects of reduced estrogen levels on gut motility, which can slow down the movement of food through the intestines.
Gastrointestinal conditions: Menopause can aggravate conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), leading to more frequent symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn.
Hair changes
Thinning hair: Hair becomes thinner and more prone to shedding as estrogen levels drop, which can affect hair growth cycles.
Increased facial hair: The hormone imbalance of estrogen and androgens can result in the growth of coarse hair in areas like the chin, upper lip, or jawline.
Dry hair: Declining estrogen levels affect oil production in the scalp, reducing the natural oils that keep hair soft and supple.
Thinning body hair: The decrease in estrogen and progesterone reduce the body’s ability to maintain hair growth in areas such as the arms, legs, and underarms.
Headaches
Hormonal changes can trigger more frequent or intense headaches or migraines in some women during menopause.
Cardiovascular health
Heart health changes: Increased risk of cardiovascular issues due to reduced estrogen.
Palpitations: Sensations of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heart, which can occur due to fluctuating hormone levels.
Hot flashes and night sweats
Hot flash: A sudden feeling of warmth, usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed appearance.
Night sweats: Episodes of excessive sweating during the night that can disrupt sleep. Often a result of hot flashes occurring while sleeping.
Joint pain
Increased stiffness and pain in the joints, sometimes referred to as “menopausal arthritis,” which may be exacerbated by reduced estrogen levels.
Liver function
Estrogen has protective effects on the liver, and its decline can increase the risk of liver disease.
During menopause, as estrogen levels decline, the liver’s ability to metabolize fats, sugars, and certain drugs may be altered.
Menstrual cycle changes
Irregular periods: Changes in menstrual cycles, including variations in cycle length, heaviness, and duration, which are common as the body transitions to menopause.
Mood changes
Emotional fluctuations such as irritability, sadness, or anxiety, which may be linked to hormonal changes during menopause.
Muscle tension including frozen shoulder
Increased stiffness or tension in muscles, particularly in the neck and shoulders.
Changes in nail health
Estrogen helps to maintain moisture and collagen levels in the body. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the body’s ability to retain moisture also decreases, leading to dryness in the skin, hair, and nails. This can cause nails to become brittle, thin, and more prone to breaking or splitting.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears, which may be linked to hormonal changes during menopause.
Dry and itchy skin
Skin may become more dry and prone to irritation as estrogen levels decline, affecting moisture retention.
Itchy skin (Pruritus): A sensation of itching, sometimes severe, that can affect various parts of the body due to declining estrogen levels, which affect skin hydration and elasticity.
Tingling sensation
A tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the extremities, often caused by hormonal shifts affecting the nerves.
Vaginal dryness
Decreased moisture and elasticity of the vaginal tissues, which can lead to discomfort during intercourse.
Metabolism and weight gain
During menopause, metabolic rate slows down, making it easier to gain weight, particularly around the abdomen. This is a result of hormonal changes that decrease muscle mass and increase fat storage, even without changes in diet or activity.
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, often caused by other menopausal symptoms like night sweats.
understanding hormones
Imagine your body is like a busy city.
This vibrant city grows and evolves over time, from its early days of construction to a thriving metropolis. This city represents a woman’s body and it is powered and managed by three key leaders: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Each leader has a specific role, helping the city grow, maintain balance, and stay energized throughout its different phases of life. Let’s better understand the city’s evolution—from the time it begins to develop (puberty), through its bustling years of growth, and into a time of adjustment and maturity (perimenopause and menopause).
Who is estrogen?
From the time the city is first built, estrogen has been the mayor. She starts her job around the time the city has its “opening” (puberty). As mayor, estrogen oversees the city’s development, ensuring that all new buildings (cells and tissues) grow correctly, that the streets stay busy, and that the infrastructure (bones and skin) remains healthy. In the city’s early years, estrogen is highly active, ensuring that growth is fast and dynamic—helping with everything from building strong walls (bones) to ensuring the reproductive district of the city is well-maintained.
Who is progesterone?
At around the same time as the mayor’s arrival, progesterone steps in as the city planner. Every month, progesterone works alongside estrogen to make sure the city’s foundations are solid. Her job is to maintain balance and stability—especially in the reproductive district. She ensures the city doesn’t overbuild (regulating the uterine lining) and prepares for potential new projects (pregnancy). Every month, progesterone makes sure the environment is ready, but when no new projects happen, she clears things out and prepares for the next cycle (monthly period).
Who is testosterone?
Testosterone, the engineer, has been quietly working since the city was young. His job is to ensure the infrastructure is strong and that energy is plentiful. He helps with building sturdy bridges (muscles) and maintaining the city’s energy grid (libido and stamina). Though his role may not always be as visible as the mayor’s or the city planner’s, testosterone ensures the city stays resilient and full of vitality.
The story of this city over time.
Throughout the city’s prime years—from puberty into the 20s, 30s, and 40s—the three leaders work closely together. Estrogen keeps everything growing and bustling, progesterone ensures balance and stability, and testosterone provides the strength and energy needed for the city to thrive. During this time, the reproductive district is active, and all the city systems are working smoothly. Estrogen and progesterone take turns leading each month, while testosterone provides the underlying energy to keep the city dynamic and ready for any challenges.
As the years go by and the city enters perimenopause (usually in the 40s), the first signs of change begin. The mayor, estrogen, who once maintained a steady hand over the city’s growth, starts to slow down. Some months, she shows up in full force, while other months, she takes a step back, leaving the city’s growth more unpredictable. This is why some women experience irregular periods, hot flashes, or mood swings during perimenopause—the city’s usual rhythm is beginning to fluctuate.
Progesterone, the city planner, also finds it harder to keep the city stable. With estrogen not always on the job, progesterone sometimes has to scramble to maintain order, leading to irregular menstrual cycles or heavier periods. Progesterone’s role starts to diminish as ovulation becomes less frequent, creating instability in the city’s foundations.
Meanwhile, testosterone, the chief engineer, is also slowly stepping back. While he’s been providing the strength and energy behind the scenes, his output starts to decrease during perimenopause. The city might feel less energetic, and some buildings (muscles and bones) might not be as strong as they once were. Women may start to notice changes in their muscle mass, strength, and libido as testosterone’s presence dwindles.
Eventually, the city reaches a new phase—menopause. After years of changing rhythms, the city reaches a point where the reproductive district shuts down. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone have all stepped back from their once-active roles. Estrogen no longer oversees new growth, and progesterone no longer maintains the foundations in the reproductive district. Testosterone’s energy output is now much lower, affecting the city’s vitality.
With the leaders stepping back, the city faces new challenges. The buildings might not be as strong, the streets might not be as well-maintained, and the energy that once fueled the city’s vibrant life might start to wane. However, the city can still continue to thrive—it just needs to adapt. Perhaps the city brings in new advisors (like healthcare providers) to help maintain its infrastructure, or it invests in new technologies (like lifestyle changes or hormone therapy) to keep everything running smoothly.
Even though the city has changed, it can still be strong and vibrant. New support systems (like lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and nutritional adjustments) can help fill the gaps left by the departing leaders. For example, regular exercise helps to maintain the city’s strength (muscles and bones), while a diet rich in nutrients supports its overall well-being. Healthcare professionals (advisors to the city) can help recommend the right strategies, such as hormone replacement therapy or supplements, to ensure the city continues to thrive.
