Hormone Fluctuations During Menopause

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

As you age, your body begins to shut down the systems that support your ability to have children, causing hormonal fluctuations. While the symptoms of hormone fluctuations may be troubling, they are treatable.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause occurs in the years leading up to menopause. During perimenopause, hormones begin to fluctuate and cause symptoms that include hot flashes, fatigue, moodiness, weight gain, vaginal dryness and loss of libido.

Menopause

You have reached menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 consecutive months. Hormone levels will be low, but these levels may still fluctuate. You may still experience symptoms associated with perimenopause.

Post Menopause

Post menopause, hormone levels stay low and steady. You may have vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse due to low estrogen levels.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help to regulate hormone levels and relieve symptoms during the menopausal transition. HRT may have other benefits as well, including preventing bone loss.

Natural Solutions

You can treat the menopause symptoms due to hormone fluctuations naturally. Herbs such as black cohosh, valerian and snakeroot; vitamins A and E, calcium, magnesium and potassium; and soy are helpful with a host of problems that appear when menopausal hormones are in flux.

References

• Women's Health.gov
• Project Aware.org