Women’s Hormones 101

Hormonal shifts during this stage of life aren’t just about what declines—it’s about what continues to function and how those hormones still affect your mood, metabolism, sleep, and long-term health.

Estrogen (Estradiol & Estrone)

In perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate significantly—often spiking and dropping unpredictably—contributing to hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, and cycle changes. After menopause, estrone (a weaker form) becomes the dominant circulating estrogen, produced in fat tissue and adrenal glands. Estrogen still affects brain, bone, heart, and skin health.

Progesterone

Progesterone starts declining in perimenopause and may drop to nearly undetectable levels post-menopause. This drop is linked to anxiety, poor sleep, mood changes, and irregular cycles.

Testosterone

Women still produce testosterone via the ovaries and adrenal glands, though levels decline with age. Testosterone influences libido, muscle mass, energy, and confidence.

Cortisol

The stress hormone cortisol becomes more influential as estrogen declines. Chronic stress can lead to belly fat, fatigue, sleep disruption, and worsened hot flashes.

Insulin

Estrogen helps modulate insulin sensitivity—so as estrogen decreases, insulin resistance can rise, making it easier to gain weight and harder to regulate blood sugar.

Thyroid Hormones

(TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy, and mood. Midlife is a common time for thyroid imbalances to surface or worsen, sometimes mimicking menopausal symptoms.