ESTROGEN & CORTISOL

Estrogen and Cortisol are two very important terms that women in perimenopause should know.

These are the two culprits that team up to determine our mood, bodily functions and to ensure that things work in the right order in our bodies.  When our bodies begin to act out of character then it means that these two have decided like two hypocrite friends, to turn on is without warning!

So, what is estrogen, and cortisol?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 'estrogens are a group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women.  It regulates the menstrual cycle, affects the reproductive and urinary tracts, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breast, skin, hair, mucous membrane, pelvic muscles and the brain.

Cortisol, on the other hand, is a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response and the body's response to stress.

In perimenopause, fluctuating estrogen levels disrupts the body's cortisol balance, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and mood swings which further elevate cortisol levels.

Do you see where I am going with this?  All our parts are under attack.

Tender Breasts. Lack of, or no menstruation, joint pains, hair thinning and rage... outrageous rage!

So, let us settle on just ten truths:

1. We did not do anything wrong.
2. Our body is just doing what it's supposed to do.
3. You are not going crazy.
4. All women's' experience is different.
5. Some women experience all, some or no symptoms.
6. Treatment methods are not universal... what works for her, may not work for you.
7. Balance is crucial.
8. Your mental health is crucial.
9. Now is not the time for 'Go hard or go home' ... REST!
10. The only urgency right now, is YOU!

Identify where you are on the perimenopause spectrum, and take the steps to balance your body, mental health and emotions.