Hormone health, explained
Menopause, andropause and PMS, explained.
Understanding what's happening in your body is the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Explore the science behind hormonal change at every life stage.
Section one
Menopause & perimenopause.
Both oestrogen and progesterone decline with age. Understanding the gap between them explains most symptoms.
What is menopause?
Menopause is defined as one year menstruation-free. Perimenopause is the 3-5 year transition phase between having normal cycles and having no menstrual cycle.
What is the average age?
The average age of menopause is 51.2 years in Australia, but hormones may begin their downward journey as early as 35.
The oestrogen and progesterone gap
Progesterone declines at a much quicker and greater rate than oestrogen. This gap creates the array of symptoms many women experience during this transition.
How do we test hormone levels?
A blood test can partially determine what is going on, but due to cyclical hormone changes a clinical picture of symptoms is often more helpful in deciding which hormones need restoring.
Section two
Andropause in men.
The decline in hormone levels men experience as they age — often overlooked, but very treatable.
What is andropause?
A term used to describe the decline in hormone levels experienced in men as they age.
How do we check hormone levels in men?
A blood test to determine hormone levels, cholesterol and other health markers. PSA testing is important for prostate cancer risk, particularly with urination changes at night.
Testosterone through the ages
Men 30–40 years ago had generally higher testosterone levels throughout their lifespan compared to men of all ages today — likely linked to lifestyle, environment and stress.
Section three
Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).
Largely due to an imbalance in oestrogen and progesterone, most commonly in the second half of the cycle.
What is PMS?
An array of symptoms experienced after ovulation (day 10–14), in women of all ages, to varying degrees. More common in the Western world — likely genes, diet and lifestyle.
How could we treat or alleviate PMS?
Supplementation with progesterone in the latter half of the cycle is usually a very effective way of bringing hormones back into balance. A GP visit and prescription is required.