Changing levels of estrogen and its impact leading to menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process every woman goes through as we age. During this time the body goes through significant changes primarily resulting from the change in the hormone levels- estrogen. 

Estrogen, types, and function 

Estrogen is the primary hormone that plays a significant role in the health and wellness of a woman. It affects the development and functioning of the female reproductive system and also affects secondary sex characteristics. There are three forms of estrogen that exist in different amounts in the body at different times of a woman’s life.

Esterone E1 – is predominant in the menopause and postmenopause phase

Estradiol E2 – is predominant in the reproductive years

Estriol E3 – is predominant during the pregnancy time

Besides its significance in reproductive health, estrogen also regulates many other physiological processes – skeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems that impact overall health and wellness. Cholesterol, blood sugar, bone, muscle mass, blood circulation, collagen, elastin, and brain function are all impacted by estrogen levels 

Menopause- Phases and symptoms

Menopause is the period when estradiol production in the body declines leading to cessation of the menstrual cycle. Menopause is considered to have started after missing the menstrual cycle for one full year and the period lasts up to 5 years. In extreme cases, it may last up to 10 years. The process itself is divided into three phases starting from perimenopause and progressing into menopause and postmenopause phases.

 Perimenopause starts on average around the age of 45 and lasts 4 to 6 years before it transitions to menopause. During this phase, the hormone production declines and gets erratic resulting in irregular menstrual cycle intervals.

Typical signs experienced during perimenopause include

  1. Irregular menstrual cycle
  2. Hot flashes
  3. Mood swings
  4. Altered skin chemistry such as increased dryness
  5. Altered sexual functions such as lack of desire
  6. Loss of bone
  7. Changing cholesterol levels. 

The symptoms glide into the phase of menopause which on average starts around the age of 51. It’s likely for some women to happen early or later too. During this phase, the changes and symptoms experienced in perimenopause continue and may become more severe for some women. Estrogen is no longer produced as in earlier years

Typical signs of menopause include

  1. Hot flashes
  2. Mood swings
  3. Altered skin chemistry such as increased dryness, loss of collagen, elastin
  4. Altered sexual function
  5. Chills
  6. Night sweats
  7. Slow metabolism
  8. Weight Gain

Postmenopause is generally referred to as the rest of the phase after a woman had menopause for the rest of her life. Women are more susceptible to health issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes during this phase.

Menopause and skin aging

Skin ages rapidly post-menopause due to lowered estrogen levels. Skin becomes thinner with less collagen, decreased elasticity, and gets drier leading to more wrinkle formation. Pigmentary changes begin to occur leading to the formation of age spots, and hyperpigmentation, and the skin gets bruised easily and takes much longer to heal. 

How to care of skin during the process of menopause

  1. Protect your skin from the sun all the time as the skin becomes more sensitive to the sun
  2. Get screened for skin cancer annually
  3. Use products that can tackle age spots, pigmentation like HyperBright Serum – MONAESI (monaesiskincare.com)
  4. Invest in a good moisturizer for the face and body as the skin has the tendency to dry more. Make sure the moisturizer has a barrier protection function besides moisturizing and hydrating the skin like HyperBright Moisturizer – MONAESI (monaesiskincare.com)
  5. Establish a good age-inclusive skincare routine that can tackle decreased collagen and elastin levels based on your skin type HyperBright Serum – MONAESI (monaesiskincare.com), Trouvaille AM/PM Facial combo treatment set-Advanced Night Serum, Eye Contour Serum, Multifunctional Daily Moisturizer – MONAESI (monaesiskincare.com)
  6. Hormonal acne may resurface in some women. In such a case use products that can target acne like Akne – MONAESI (monaesiskincare.com)
  7. Use products that are less irritating.  
  8. Avoid consistent or prolonged hot showers, hot baths
  9. Incorporating good hair care products as hair loss is another prominent change experienced during this period.

Foods that can help with easing the symptoms of menopause

Foods rich in phytoestrogens may help with symptoms of menopause. Eating more vegetables and fruits will help achieve this. Some of the foods rich in phytoestrogens are soy-based foods, flaxseeds, chia seeds, avocado, salmon, sardines, berries, oats, barley, carrots, apples, rice, sesame seeds, alfalfa, dried beans, lentils, mung beans, wheat germ, broccoli, spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, zucchini, asparagus. It is also recommended to incorporate calcium-rich foods and take vitamin D supplements as the bones tend to lose density for some people

Some natural herbs like Black cohosh, Red clover, Dong quai, Ashwagandha, Chasteberry, Rhodiola, Holy basil, Ginseng, Shisandra have helped some people in reducing the symptoms of menopause, It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any supplements.