Information on Hormones
By Sally Cross, Natural Change.
Hormones are a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids, such as blood, around our body to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
Peri-menopausal Hormones for our attention:
• Oestrogen
Progesterone
Testosterone
Cortisol
Thyroid
Adrenaline
The Brain and the Reproductive system are intimately connected by a complex series of feedback loops.
Oestrogen
Oestrogens in females, are produced primarily by the ovaries and during pregnancy in the placenta.
Some oestrogens are also produced in smaller amounts by other tissues such as the liver, adrenal glands and the breasts. These secondary sources of oestrogens are especially important in postmenopausal women. Fat cells produce oestrogen as well.
Although scientifically there are various oestrogens, the word “Oestrogen" in typical general conversation refers specifically to the steroidal oestrogen oestradiol (E2). This explains why “oestrogen" is generally said to have its highest levels in females of reproductive age, which is true of oestradiol (E2), although not of all other oestrogens. Almost every cell in the body has oestrogen receptors. There are 3 Types: Oestradiol (E2), Oestrone (E1) and Oestriol (E3)
Oestradiol (E2)
Is the predominant natural human oestrogen that is produced in the ovaries prior to menopause. It has over 400 functions in female body. After menopause we lose the source and are left with Oestrone (E1) primarily, after menopause.
Oestrone (E1)
Is the predominant oestrogen in post-menopausal women. Prior to menopause it is made in fat, adrenals, liver and ovaries. It serves as a reservoir to make oestradiol, but needs a functioning ovary to do this. Oestrone is related to higher risk of breast and endometrial cancer in older obese women. Oestrone levels in obese women are 40% higher. It continues to be made in fat, liver, brain, adrenals, hair, skin and bone marrow after menopause.
Oestriol (E3)
Is produced by the placenta. It is not present in non-pregnant women. It is the weakest form of oestrogen. It is not a protective for bone, heart and brain. It does relieve vaginal dryness and mild hot flushes.
Other known Oestrogen sources.
Equine Oestrogen: From urine of pregnant mares- Premarin, Prempak C etc. used in the production of HRT.
Synthetic: Ethinyl Oestradiol is used in birth control pills and to control irregular cycles and bleeding. It is too potent for postmenopausal women.
Xenoestrogens: Is similar to Oestrogens but have a negative effect on the environment and in the body if ingested, eg DDT, PCB, plastics.
Phytoestrogens: Are plant based oestrogens.
The Effects of Oestrogen fluctuations:
Changes in skin
Changes in ability to naturally lubricate the mucosal membranes
Changes in memory/cognition
Changes in tissue elasticity
Bladder irritation
Sleep apnea/ Snoring
Changes in bone production
Changes in hair
Affects blood vessels
Affects pain tolerance
Oestrogen deficiency symptoms:
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness from reduced lubrication, thinning of mucosal membranes from increased pH levels, irritation, decreased response, reduced blood flow, loss of elasticity of vaginal walls, reduced nerve transmission and discharge.
Incontinence, more frequent bladder infections
Mood swings, mostly irritation and depression
Mental fuzziness, brain fog
Headaches, Migraines
Sleep disruption
Excess oestrogen symptoms:
Headaches
Recurrent yeast infections
Breast swelling and tenderness
Nausea, vomiting, bloating
Leg cramps
Yellow tinged skin
Excessive vaginal bleeding
Progesterone
Produced primarily by the ovaries both before and after menopause
Also produced by the brain and the peripheral nerves
High levels relax or loosen supporting ligaments of the back, pelvis and knees
Relaxes smooth muscles of body
Made from cholesterol – fats and oil are required for production
Prepares the body for pregnancy
Affects brain function: promotes feelings of calmness
Anti-anxiety
Sleep promoting
Relaxes smooth muscle of intestines and other smooth muscles eg vascular
Helps modulate pain tolerance
Excess progesterone symptoms
Symptoms from excess are rare, but depression is a common side effect of synthetic progestins such as Provera in HRT.
Progesterone deficiency symptoms
Pre-menstrual migraine
PMS like symptoms
Irregular or excessively heavy periods
Anxiety & Nervousness
Itchy twitchy legs
Heart palpitations: coronary artery spasms • Depression
Fibromyalgia.
Testosterone & DHEA
Are female sex hormones made in the ovaries from cholesterol
Are also made in the adrenals from DHEA-s
Activates the sexual circuits in brain
Promotes healthy sexual desire
Testosterone and DHEA deficiency symptoms
Loss of sex drive
Fatigue - chronic fatigue syndrome?
Decrease in muscle mass
Decrease in bone density - osteoporosis? • Depression
Achy joints- fibromyalgia?
Reduction in muscle tone in bladder and pelvis - urinary incontinence
Dulling and brittleness of scalp hair
Skin dryness
Atrophy of genital tissue
There is a tendency for testosterone levels to drop after menopause, but not all women’s testosterone/ androgen levels drop, some will rise. Adrenal depletion due to chronic stress reduces testosterone levels, as does hysterectomy, oopherectomy, chemo, XRT and autoimmune diseases.
Excess Testosterone symptoms
Facial hair above lip
Increased dreaming
Increased nightmares
Difficulty falling asleep
Increased sex drive
Negative effects on lipoproteins
Clitoromegaly (abnormal enlargement of the clitoris)
Extreme irritability
Volatile/explosive moods
Aggressive behaviour
Increased muscle tension and edginess
Liver toxicity
Acne
Deeper voice
It is interesting to question whether a decline in libido is due to decreased oestrogen or testosterone, or in fact adrenal fatigue
How to increase testosterone
Exercise: weight training NOT cardio excess
Thyroid function & dysfunction
Controls your metabolism & regulates body temp
Produces Thyroxine (T4)
Converted to T3 (using selenium)
Under-active thyroid: insufficient TSH from pituitary or thyroid malfunction
What next?
See your Doctor/Practice nurse and request:
Complete hormonal profile including: Thyroid range: T3, T4, TSH
Check Vitamin D levels
Check Cortisol levels
Check Cholesterol levels: HDL and LDL
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