The Hormone Roller-coaster

Hormone fluctuations in perimenopause and postmenopause showing the unpredictable pattern of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause.

If there's one key takeaway from this graphic, it's this: No, you are not going crazy! Every challenging symptom you’re experiencing is due to a profound, measurable physiological change happening inside your body.

Let's take a closer, but not-too-scientific, look at the transition.

Before: The Reproductive Rhythm

Before the menopausal transition begins, your hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone) follow a stable, cyclical rhythm, working together to regulate your cycle, support bone density, and maintain skin health. This consistent, predictable rhythm is what most of us experience for decades.

During: The Perimenopause Surge & Drop

As you enter perimenopause—the transition phase—your ovaries stop producing hormones consistently. This is not a smooth decline. Instead, it's a wild, unpredictable hormonal roller-coaster ride.

You might experience times when Estrogen levels surge to shocking highs, followed by sudden, sharp drops. Meanwhile, Progesterone production becomes increasingly erratic.

This unpredictable turbulence is responsible for the classic symptoms you feel:

• Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Caused by the sudden, dramatic drops in hormone levels.

• Mood Swings & Irritability: Direct result of fluctuating hormones affecting brain chemistry.

• Sleep Disturbances: Often linked to the unpredictable thermal regulation (night sweats).

• Irregular Periods: Cycles become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter.

• Vaginal Dryness & Changes in Libido.

  
  

Does this sound familiar? Understanding this unpredictable stage is incredibly validating, as it explains so much of what you might be going through.

After: Post-Menopause and the New Baseline

You officially reach Post-Menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period. At this point, your ovaries have largely ceased hormone production, and levels stabilise at a consistently low baseline.

While some of the acute perimenopausal symptoms may finally fade, the long-term effects of consistently low Estrogen become a new focus. These physiological realities include:

• Increased risk of Osteoporosis: Estrogen is crucial for maintaining bone density.

• Reduced Cardiovascular Protection: The protective effects of Estrogen on your heart diminish.

• Urogenital Changes: Continued thinning of vaginal tissues and urinary urgency.

  
  

Perimenopause can feel like a hormonal roller-coaster ride, with highs and lows that can be quite unpredictable

Your Empowerment Takeaway

I hope that by understanding these specific hormonal shifts, you feel more empowered to navigate the stages of menopause. Be kinder to yourself, recognise the very real reasons you might not feel like your usual self, and use this knowledge to seek the targeted support you deserve.

Which symptom on the list surprised you most when you first realised it was hormone-related? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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