Menopause is a natural process that comes with age, but it can be an emotional roller coaster. Hot flashes and night sweats are a part of the package. Your heart can race from time to time, moods plunging or shooting up for no reason, and you will be overcome with fatigue. Breast tenderness and changes in your menstrual cycle will affect you as well. It might seem as if your whole world has been turned upside down, and you are not able to make sense of any of it. Just know you are not alone, and that fluctuating hormones are the reason as to what is happening to your body right now. Your estrogen levels are one of the most important factors that cause upheaval as you make the transition to menopause.
What Happens to Your Estrogen Levels during Menopause
Whether you realize it or not, a female’s body truly is ruled by her hormones, and they change on a daily basis throughout the menstrual cycle. Your ovaries handle producing hormones. Estrogen is considered the “female hormone” and this is the hormone that changes most dramatically during perimenopause – the stage leading up to menopause – and menopause itself.
Estrogen plays many roles. It is responsible for the growth of female reproductive organs and their health. Estrogen keeps the vagina lubricated, ensures that it is supplied with a healthy source of blood and that it maintains its elasticity. When it comes to the point in your life when you are on your way to menopause, estrogen levels tend to drop, but they can also spike. Eventually, once you are in full menopause, your estrogen levels will drop down to an extremely low level and stay there. Levels are unpredictable and can make you feel like everything has gone topsy-turvy inside of you.
How Will Changes in Estrogen Levels Make You Feel?
If your estrogen levels are high, you are likely to feel breast tenderness and frustrating bloating. You may experience heavier bleeding during your menstrual cycle. If your estrogen levels are low, expect to feel tired and experience headaches more often. Bone loss is possible as well. Insomnia is common, as well as heart palpitations. This is when dryness in the vaginal area, hot flashes, and night sweats are common as well.
What Can You Do About Changes in Estrogen Levels?
You do not have to sit back and let your hormones take control of your life during menopause. Lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, over the counter medication, and hormone replacement therapy provide you with options. Pay attention to your body and talk to your doctor about your alternatives to cope with menopause. Discuss the changes you are experiencing, be aware of trigger factors, and try relaxation techniques to help you get through this phase of life. If you are between the age of 40 and 55, join the club of women who are going through menopause.
At South Lake OB/GYN and Advanced Surgery in Clermont, we specialize in women’s health. We understand the changes that your body will go through as you enter menopause, and our medical team can help you throughout the process. Contact South Lake OB/GYN today to schedule your consultation.