Women lose oestrogen & neurotransmitters in menopause, which impacts health

In menopause, women lose a lot of two types of oestrogen - oestradiol and oestrone.

We also lose around 10 neurochemicals, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

These changes have a profound impact on women's health and well-being, and it takes time for our brain and body to adjust. Proactive steps can help reduce associated risks.

Oestradiol

• Is the most potent form of oestrogen and plays a key role in maintaining bone density and protecting cardiovascular health

• Its decline may cause hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness; and increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease due its protective effects

Oestrone

• Is a weaker form of estrogen, produced mainly in adipose tissue after menopause

• While this can somewhat compensate for the loss of estradiol, it's not sufficient to fully alleviate menopausal symptoms or prevent associated health risks

Neurotransmitters

• Serotonin is critical for mood regulation. Its decline can lead to increased incidences of depression, anxiety, and mood swings, and is associated with sleep disturbances and appetite changes

• Dopamine influences motivation, pleasure, and reward. Its decrease can cause reduced motivation, pleasure, and feelings of well-being, potentially leading to less pleasure and apathy

• Norepinephrine plays a role in the body's stress response and helps regulate alertness and arousal. Lower levels may contribute to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a reduced ability to handle stress.

It is possible to manage these change

Understanding these changes is important for developing comprehensive management strategies that address both the physical and mental health challenges women face during menopause.

Integrative approaches, including nutrition (diet and supplements) and lifestyle modifications can help mitigate these effects and improve women's quality of life.