What is Menopause? Age Related Declines in 3 Essential Hormones
Menopause is an easily treatable medical condition that results from age related declines in three essential hormones: estrogen and progesterone, which decrease in middle age, and testosterone, which gradually diminishes in both men and women beginning in our mid-30's.
Menopause is an easily treatable medical condition that results from age related declines in three essential hormones: estrogen and progesterone, which decrease in middle age, and testosterone, which gradually diminishes in both men and women beginning in our mid-30's.
Menopause is a natural, yet treatable phase of life that happens when three important hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—start to decline. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly as women approach middle age, while testosterone gradually decreases starting in our mid-30s for both men and women.
While estrogen and progesterone are typically linked to menopause, testosterone plays an equally vital role in a woman’s health and well-being. Interestingly, women actually have more testosterone than estrogen for most of their lives!
The Key Hormones: Estradiol, Progesterone and Testosterone
Menopause is diagnosed based on symptoms, changes in menstrual patterns, and lab tests that measure levels of estradiol, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Although testosterone deficiency isn’t usually associated with menopause, it’s important to note that addressing low testosterone in menopausal women can significantly improve well-being. In fact, when testosterone levels are low, we often recommend replenishing all three hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Curious about the benefits of estrogen in menopause? Dr. Avrum Bluming’s Estrogen Matters is a great resource. For insights on testosterone in middle-aged women, check out Dr. Susan Rako’s The Hormone of Desire.
Symptoms and Health Risks of Hormonal Decline
As these hormones decline, women often experience a range of symptoms and health risks. Estrogen loss, in particular, is linked to increased risks for heart disease, osteoporosis, and memory-related issues like Alzheimer’s. Replacing estrogen can help protect against these risks, while progesterone and testosterone further enhance the benefits of hormone restoration, helping women feel more like themselves again.
Hormone Restoration for Health and Vitality
So, what’s the takeaway? Menopause is a hormonal deficiency, and restoring optimal levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can greatly improve a woman’s health, quality of life and overall vitality.
Given that women today live much longer than in the past—well beyond the average life expectancy of 47 years in the early 1900s—hormone restoration can be life-changing. Research shows that natural hormonal restoration , when done properly, offers numerous benefits for women in the second half of life.
Ready to take control of your menopause journey? JumpstartMD is here to help with expert care tailored to your unique needs. Call us today at 650.487.1755 to learn more about our personalized hormone replacement therapy options!