What are the 3 hormones lost in menopause?

The three primary hormones whose levels significantly decrease or are "lost" during the menopausal transition are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This hormonal shift marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, leading to various physical and emotional changes.

Hormonal Changes During Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It signifies the end of ovarian function, which profoundly impacts the body's hormonal balance. The ovaries, which are responsible for producing several key hormones, gradually cease this production.

The Primary Hormones That Decline

During perimenopause and leading into menopause, the ovaries' production of certain critical hormones diminishes considerably.

• Estrogen (Oestrogen)
  Estrogen is a group of hormones vital for female reproductive health and many other bodily functions. As women enter perimenopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen. This decline affects numerous systems, including the reproductive tract, bones, cardiovascular system, and brain function. Common symptoms associated with decreasing estrogen include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.

  • Key roles of estrogen include:
    • Regulating the menstrual cycle.
    • Maintaining bone density.
    • Influencing mood and cognitive function.
    • Supporting cardiovascular health.

• Progesterone
  Progesterone is another crucial hormone produced primarily by the ovaries after ovulation. Its main role is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and maintain a pregnancy. As ovarian function declines and ovulation becomes less frequent or stops, the production of progesterone decreases significantly. This drop contributes to irregular periods during perimenopause and the eventual cessation of menstruation.

  • Key roles of progesterone include:
    • Thickening the uterine lining for potential pregnancy.
    • Balancing estrogen's effects.
    • Promoting sleep and calming effects.

• Testosterone
  While often associated primarily with male physiology, testosterone is also produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It plays a role in libido, energy levels, bone density, and muscle mass. During menopause, ovarian production of testosterone also declines, contributing to symptoms such as reduced sex drive, fatigue, and changes in body composition.

  • Key roles of testosterone in women include:
    • Supporting libido and sexual function.
    • Contributing to energy and well-being.
    • Maintaining muscle mass and bone density.

How Other Hormones Are Affected

While estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decrease, other hormones are impacted as well, though in different ways. The pituitary gland in the brain releases control hormones, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which signal the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. As the ovaries become less responsive to these signals, the brain attempts to stimulate them more vigorously, resulting in higher levels of FSH and LH in the bloodstream. These elevated levels are often used to confirm a woman is in menopause.

Summary of Hormonal Changes in Menopause

To illustrate the primary hormonal shifts:

Understanding these hormonal changes is crucial for managing menopause symptoms and maintaining overall health during this significant life transition. For more information on hormone health during this phase, consider consulting resources from reputable health organizations like the National Institute on Aging or the Mayo Clinic.