During menopause, your ovaries drastically reduce the amount of oestrogen they produce. But this doesn’t mean that you completely stop producing hormones. The human body is full of all kinds of hormones that fulfil all kinds of functions. For example… * Insulin helps regulate your blood sugar levels. * Melatonin controls your sleep/wake cycles. * Adrenaline boosts your metabolism when you’re startled, excited, or stressed. * Thyroid hormone regulates your metabolism and energy levels * Testosterone regulates your libido and muscle density The hormones most affected by menopause are oestrogen and progesterone - the female reproductive hormones. However, even oestrogen doesn’t disappear completely. The human body has two forms of oestogen: estradiol, which is produced in the ovaries, and estrone, which is converted from testosterone in body fat. So, while your estradiol levels drastically decrease, you will still keep making estrone after the menopause. All in all, while the menopause has a definite impact on your hormones, it doesn’t completely wipe out your endocrine system! That being said, fluctuations in hormone levels during menopause can cause symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings and so on.
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