Monday, December 7, 2009

Hormone Changes In Menopause

Hormone replacement pills may be taken to reduce symptoms caused by estrogen decline.


During menopause many changes take place physically, sexually, and neurologically. Not every menopausal woman will experience these symptoms, although many do. The hormonal changes of menopause are inevitable and can only be treated, not cured.


Estrogen before Menopause


Estrogen surges every month during a woman's menstrual cycle, signaling the menstrual period to begin. It is also responsible, along with progesterone, for egg production and release during ovulation.


Estrogen during Menopause


During menopause, estrogen declines to a level that is no longer enough to sustain a menstrual cycle or ovulation. It no longer has a cycle of rising and declining systematically as it did before menopause.


Changes


Menopause is often referred to as "the change" because of the changes that take place in a woman's body during menopause. These changes are a direct result of hormonal decline. Some change are vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and frequent urination.


Neurological Symptoms


Hormonal imbalance can also cause neurological changes such as mood swings, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. These are often corrected by the use of antidepressant medications prescribed by your physician.


Treatments for Hormonal Changes


Women are given the option to take hormone replacements in the form of pills, patches, or creams to increase estrogen just enough to decrease bothersome symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes.

Tags: Changes Menopause, During menopause, menstrual cycle, night sweats, take place