Why do some women experience unpleasant menopausal symptoms while others don’t?

Contrary to a common myth in conventional medicine that attributes these symptoms to an oestrogen deficiency, the reality is that oestrogen levels only decrease by 40-50% at menopause, whereas progesterone levels can plummet to nearly zero. Although oestrogen deficiency plays a role, it doesn’t fully explain the hormonal changes during the 10-15 years of perimenopause leading up to menopause. Menopausal symptoms are often managed with methods like birth control pills, hormone-based IUDs, hormone replacement therapy, or bio-identical hormones. While these treatments may alleviate some symptoms temporarily, they fail to address the underlying cause(s) of all symptoms.

What else could be contributing to menopausal symptoms?

Low adrenal function is a significant underlying factor. During menopause, as the ovaries cease ovulation and reduce progesterone and oestrogen production, some women may experience a sudden or gradual decline in hormone levels. To compensate for this decrease, the adrenal glands, often referred to as the “stress” glands, become more active. While typically playing a minor role in producing female sex hormones before menopause, the adrenal glands can secrete progesterone and androstenedione, a precursor to oestrogen and testosterone. Throughout life, the adrenals also regulate cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, and other hormones, influencing responses to stress, metabolism, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and energy levels.

Many women face substantial stress and responsibilities as they balance raising children and pursuing careers, often starting families later in life during their 30s and 40s. By the time they reach menopause, the adrenal glands may be depleted, unable to produce sufficient hormones. Instead of focusing on producing progesterone and other sex hormone precursors, the adrenals prioritise producing baseline levels of cortisol. This leads to increased menopausal symptoms and related adrenal deficiency symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and cravings.

What can be done?

Prevention is key; maintaining adrenal health is crucial for a smoother menopausal transition. Addressing the root cause of stress and learning individualised adaptation techniques are essential. Various effective stress-reduction practices include taking regular breaks, spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, and nurturing social connections. By adopting these habits, we can mitigate the negative effects of stress on our well-being.

When menopausal symptoms significantly impact daily life, it’s important to consider adrenal imbalances. Alongside lifestyle changes, targeted vitamins and herbal remedies in therapeutic doses can address underlying causes and alleviate symptoms.

Working on your adrenal health is a valuable tool for midlife women, feel free to schedule a free call with me for more information on how I can support you.

Thanks for reading!

Louise xx