Understanding Hormone Changes in Menopause: What’s Going On and Why It Matters
you’re not going mad .. your hormones are just shifting
If you’ve been wondering why your energy’s all over the place, your moods feel unpredictable and sleep suddenly feels like a distant dream .. you’re not alone. And it’s definitely not all in your head!
What is happening is a major hormonal recalibration.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What is menopause .. and when does it start?
Technically, menopause is just one day: the 12-month mark since your last period. But most symptoms don’t wait until then. The real rollercoaster often starts in the years before.. during a phase called perimenopause.
This transitional time (which can last several years) is when hormone levels .. especially oestrogen and progesterone .. start to shift dramatically.
Meet your hormone trio: oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
Oestrogen:
This is the big one. It helps regulate your menstrual cycle, supports bone density, skin elasticity, mood and more. As oestrogen levels drop and fluctuate, you might experience hot flushes, brain fog, joint pain and mood swings.Progesterone:
Often the first to decline, progesterone is known for its calming, soothing effect. Low levels are linked with anxiety, poor sleep and heavier or irregular periods.Testosterone:
Yep, women have this too. It plays a role in libido, motivation and muscle tone. Like the others, it tends to decline .. but at a slower rate.
This trio then cause a ripple effect in other key hormones .. that is why there are so many different menopause symtoms and no two women have the exact same symptoms.
Why does it feel so unpredictable?
Because your hormones aren’t declining in a straight line .. they rise and fall in waves. This unpredictability can leave you feeling up and down emotionally, mentally and physically.
You might feel fine one week and totally thrown off the next.
That’s not in your head .. it’s in your hormones.
It’s not “just ageing” or “just stress”
Many of the symptoms we experience in midlife get brushed off as “just part of getting older.” But your body is trying to adapt to a new hormonal balance and that’s a big ask.
Understanding what’s happening under the surface is the first step to feeling more in control.
So what can help?
Gently supporting your hormone balance through food and lifestyle
Prioritising rest and recovery (your nervous system needs love too)
Knowing you’re not alone .. and that support is available
Want more clarity, support, and practical tips?
My free guide What You Wish Your Mam Had Told You About Menopause dives deeper into all of this .. with myth-busting advice and down-to-earth tips to help you feel more like yourself again.
👉 download your copy
Lesley xx
Next in the series:
🟣 What’s Common .. But Not Normal in Menopause (And What to Do About It)