HORMONES EXPLAINED

It’s been a long time since those biology lessons in school, so what exactly does each hormone do?

✢ OESTROGEN

This has many functions, including maintaining bone health, keeping hair and skin healthy, and balancing our moods. As our levels drop, we see symptoms such as hair and skin thinning, an increased risk of osteoporosis, vaginal dryness and loss of skin elasticity.

✢ PROGESTERONE

Before the menopause, progesterone is produced by the ovaries after ovulation. During perimenopause, we ovulate less, so our bodies produce less progesterone, resulting in a hormone imbalance. This often leads to mood swings and irregular periods. Progesterone also affects our libido, balances our blood sugar levels and reduces hot flushes.

✢ TESTOSTERONE

Although this is mainly a male sex hormone, women produce it too. It helps increase libido, boosts muscle mass and energy levels and helps to improve memory and bone density. As levels drop, it leads to irritability, tiredness, depression and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

✢ DHEA

(short for dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by your adrenal gland – which is where the stress hormone cortisol is also produced. DHEA helps your body produce other hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, so being under too much stress affects its production, and levels decline as you get older.