Menopause Resource Series – Post 3: What’s Really Going On With Your Hormones?
One of the most common questions I hear from women is:
“Why do I feel so different?”
The answer, more often than not, lies in your hormones—powerful chemical messengers that influence nearly every system in your body.
Let’s talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes.
🌿 Oestrogen: The Queen Bee
Oestrogen plays a major role in your reproductive cycle, but it also supports:
Brain function and mood
Bone health
Skin elasticity
Heart protection
Vaginal tissue and bladder control
During perimenopause, oestrogen starts to fluctuate unpredictably—sometimes dropping suddenly, sometimes spiking. This rollercoaster can cause a whole range of symptoms: hot flushes, anxiety, fatigue, joint aches, disrupted sleep, and more.
🌿 Progesterone: The Calming Companion
Progesterone helps regulate your cycle and supports restful sleep and calm moods. As ovulation becomes irregular, progesterone drops—and this can contribute to:
Irritability
Anxiety
PMS-like symptoms
Trouble sleeping
When oestrogen and progesterone are out of balance, the emotional and physical toll can feel overwhelming.
🌿 Testosterone: The Quiet Contributor
Often overlooked, testosterone supports energy, motivation, muscle tone, and libido. Its gradual decline can affect your sense of vitality and drive—without you even realising it.
💛 Why This Matters
Understanding the hormonal shifts of menopause gives you power.
You realise it’s not all in your head. Your body is undergoing a profound transition—and you’re doing your best.
With the right education, you can make informed decisions about what kind of support you may need—whether that’s lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or exploring medical options like HRT.
You deserve to feel like you again—or maybe even better. Because menopause isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning, and it starts with awareness.
In the next post, I’ll be sharing common symptoms and how you can start supporting yourself gently and effectively.
Until then, be kind to yourself. You're not alone in this.
With warmth,
Julie x
Certified Menopause Coach & Holistic Counsellor
Thrive Holistic Counselling
