HEALTH & HORMONES

Is a hormonal imbalance even a ‘thing’? Are hormones to blame for mood swings and anger? To help clear up the confusion and answer your questions, we’ve turned to our friends at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health

Q: I’M 39 AND HAVING HOT FLUSHES. IS THIS MENOPAUSE?

Women in Australia usually reach menopause (their final period) around age 51 to 52. But it can happen earlier or later. Premature menopause is when your final period happens before age 40.

Hot flushes can have many causes, including menopause, so it’s important to find out what’s going on. If it is premature menopause, it’s important to have treatment with hormone therapy. This reduces the risks of heart disease and osteoporosis (weak bones) which are linked with premature menopause. Visit your doctor who can help you to find out the cause of your hot flushes and talk you through treatment options.

Q: I GET BAD PMS EVERY MONTH. DO I HAVE A HORMONAL IMBALANCE?

First things first, you’re not alone. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) a ects around 20% to 40% of females and its impacts can be mild to crippling. Although many people think a ‘hormonal imbalance’ is to blame, PMS is actually tied to normal hormonal changes that happen before a period. However, those with PMS have a higher sensitivity to these hormonal changes. If your PMS is making life hard, it’s important to get help. Ask your doctor to investigate your symptoms to rule out other problems and explain the treatment options. You don’t have to struggle through.

Q: MY PERIODS HAVE BECOME IRREGULAR AND I THINK I’M PERIMENOPAUSAL. DO I STILL NEED TO USE CONTRACEPTION?

It’s worth asking your doctor to investigate the cause of your irregular periods. One reason could be perimenopause. It’s the stage before menopause and usually occurs in your 40s. Although women have fewer eggs during perimenopause, pregnancy is still possible. So if you want to avoid becoming pregnant, don’t ditch the contraception just yet. You’ll need to keep using it for one year after your final period if your periods stop after you turn 50. If your periods naturally stop before age 50, keep using contraception for two years.

Q: WHAT’S THE LINK BETWEEN HORMONES AND MY MOOD? WHY DO I FEEL ANGRY AND LOW BEFORE MY PERIOD?

Female sex hormones impact more than just our reproductive system.

One of the hormones, oestrogen, is linked to better mood and thinking. But its levels are low before a period, which might explain your change in mood. Progesterone, another hormone, can also impact mental health when its levels change throughout your cycle. In serious cases, these hormonal changes can cause depression, anxiety and other issues. So if you’re struggling, ask your doctor for help. It’s important not to su er in silence.

Visit jeanhailes.org.au for more information on women’s health and hormones.