Estrogen is probably the most well-known female hormone and is responsible for the development and
maintenance of female characteristics of the body. Estrogen is produced in the ovaries and adrenal
glands. Although in smaller quantities, men also produce estrogen from the conversion of testosterone.
There are three types of estrogen found in a woman’s body; estrone, estradiol and estriol of which
estradiol being the most potent. The levels of all of these hormones decline at the onset of
perimenopause and cease at the onset of menopause. Estrogen therapy is a treatment option for
women to decrease the symptoms of menopause and aid in the balance of female hormones in the
body. An absence of estrogen has been found to be a factor in disease processes such as: cardiovascular
disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s.
Often overlooked, progesterone is another female hormone of equal importance as is estrogen for
women. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, and is used in nature to balance
estrogen. It belongs to a group of steroid hormones called the progestogens and is the major
progestogen in the body. It too can safely and effectively relieve menopausal symptoms, protect against
cancer, prevent osteoporosis, and improve overall well-being.
Premenopause is the time before perimenopause starts, when there are no noticeable menopausal
symptoms – yet. Whereas perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, where
hormonal changes begin to occur and symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings
may be present. When in the perimenopause phase, the levels of circulating estrogen begin to change.
Quantity and quality of follicles begin diminishing, which causes fewer ovulations and lower
progesterone levels to account for changes in estrogen.
The symptoms become even more pronounced during the menopause phase. After menopause, women
do not ovulate or menstruate and blood estrogen levels drop dramatically. Menopause marks the end of
your menstrual cycle and is diagnosed after you have gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The
average age a woman reaches menopause is about 51; however, the natural biological process can
happen in your 40s or 50s. Surgical menopause can occur at any age if the ovaries are removed.
