Progesterone and estrogen are female hormones that have a dynamic, yet delicate relationship and are meant to counterbalance each other. As the level of progesterone drops, the level of estrogen rises, and vice versa, maintaining the ideal hormonal balance. When natural menopause occurs, the first hormonal change is a gradual decrease in progesterone, with estrogen levels remaining stable or even increasing. As progesterone continues to decline, eventually estrogen levels may begin to swing widely, resulting in estrogen dominance.
Symptoms of Decreased Progesterone
According to Christine Northrup, author of "The Wisdom of Menopause," symptoms may include:
Decreased sex drive
Irregular or otherwise abnormal periods (usually excessive bleeding)
Bloating (water retention)
Breast swelling and tenderness
Mood swings (most often irritability and depression
Weight gain (particularly around the abdomen and hips)
Cold hands and feet
Migraine headaches (especially premenstrually)
PMS-like symptoms
Anxiety and nervousness
Symptoms of Decreased Estrogen
According to Northrup, symptoms may include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings (once again irritability and depression)
Mental fuzziness
Migraine headaches
Vaginal, urinary tract and bladder infections
Incontinence
Decreased libido
Estrogen
Although imbalances do occur, it is biologically possible for a woman to produce enough of her own estrogen to support optimal health throughout the second half of her life. This is rarely taken into account, says Dr. Northrup, suggesting that the stresses of life conspire to impair a woman's natural ability to produce adequate levels of the estrogen. Getting proper nourishment, exercise, adequate sleep and sunshine are a few natural ways to help the body restore adrenal function and hormonal balance.
Progesterone
A woman's body is designed to accommodate a very high level of progesterone during pregnancy, so symptoms from excessive progesterone are rare. The symptoms accompanying declining progesterone levels can be relieved by over-the-counter creams in a 2 percent strength, or prescription gels in 4 to 8 percent. It is also available in capsules or other oral forms.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone imbalances are caused by aging, birth control pills, body fat, pesticides, plastics, pollution, smoking and stress, according to Jillian Michaels, trainer on "The Biggest Loser," and author of "Master Your Metabolism." In addition, a lack of quality fats and protein, excess refined grains and sugars, and processed foods can also lead to unhealthy imbalances.
How to Know if You are In Balance
FDA-approved blood and saliva tests are now available that measure biologically active levels of estrogen and progesterone and also their breakdown products, resulting in the most accurate measurements. Keep in mind that while it's useful to get your hormone levels tested, the results only give you a snapshot of an ever-changing process. Double-testing is recommended in acknowledgment of fluctuating hormone levels, especially during peri-menopause.
References
- The Wisdom of Menopause, Christine Northrup, M.D., 2006
- Master Your Metabolism, Jillian Michaels, 2009
