Understanding Hormones and Menopause: Insights from Dr Louise Newson's Seminar

Earlier this month, we attended Dr Louise Newson’s seminar, exploring how women can ‘master their menopause’. Dr Newson is one of the world’s leading menopause experts award-winning educator, podcaster, and author. In this article, we’re going to share our key takeaways from the seminar.

The Key Hormones at Play

Menopause is not just about hot flashes or irregular periods, it’s a complex biological process influenced by various hormones, and its effects can linger far beyond the average age of 50.

Throughout a woman’s life, different hormones play crucial roles in overall health, mood, and bodily functions:

• Oestradiol: The primary oestrogen hormone, peaks around the age of 40 before it begins to deplete, leading to many menopausal symptoms.

• Progesterone: This hormone, vital for reproductive health, also fluctuates significantly during menopause.

• Testosterone: Often overshadowed in women’s health, testosterone is just as crucial as in men. It’s essential for mood, cognition, and overall well-being. Post-menopause, testosterone levels drop, and brain activity decreases, contributing to cognitive changes.

Dr Newson emphasised that testosterone should be considered as important for women as it is for men. The brain relies on testosterone for mood regulation and cognitive function, and its decline during menopause can contribute to symptoms such as brain fog and low mood.

Menopause and Its Long-Term Effects

While the average age for menopause is around 50, its effects can last well into the later years of a woman’s life. Dr Newson pointed out that the longer the menopause, the higher the risk of conditions such as dementia, heart disease, and osteoporosis. In fact, women are five times more likely to suffer a heart attack after 50 compared to younger influenced by the changes in horomones..

The Importance of Collagen and Bone Health

A significant impact of menopause is the loss of collagen, which declines by 30% within the first five years of menopause starting. When talking about collagen, you may be familiar with this in association with your skin plumpness, less wrinkles and overall look of youth visibly.

However, collagen loss isn’t just about skin sagging, your bones become weaker too. Dr Newson stressed that collagen is a vital structural protein, and its depletion can contribute to visible aging and increased susceptibility to fractures.

Additionally according to Dr Newson, osteoporosis becomes a pressing concern, with one in two women affected post-50. This highlights the importance of taking proactive steps toward maintaining bone health during menopause.

Mental Health and Menopause

Interestingly, menopause can also impact mental health. Dr Newson shared that the highest rates of suicide in women occur between the ages of 51-54, which may correlate with the hormonal changes of this life stage. Inflammation, a common issue during menopause, also plays a role, as it can cause tissue damage and exacerbate mood and cognitive issues.

Testosterone’s Role Beyond Libido

Testosterone is often associated with libido, but Dr Newson emphasised that its effects go far beyond sexual desire. In women, testosterone plays a crucial role in mood, cognition, and overall energy levels. A deficiency in this hormone can contribute to significant changes in a woman's mental and physical health, which is why it’s important to recognise the symptoms of deficiency, rather than relying solely on blood work for diagnosis.

The Power of HRT

Dr Newson made it clear that it’s never too late to start HRT. In fact, HRT can be beneficial even in the case of pre-diabetic syndrome and may help mitigate metabolic changes that often lead to weight gain during menopause. Unfortunately, 95% of the population is not receiving the proper HRT treatments, which is a missed opportunity for many women.

Dr Newson’s easy-to-follow HRT prescribing guide is a fantastic resource for healthcare professionals looking to provide better care to women going through menopause.

The Link Between Neurodivergence and Menopause

An interesting and unexpected takeaway from the seminar was the link between neurodivergence and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate symptoms of neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism, making menopause a more challenging period for those who are neurodivergent.

Other Key Takeaways

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that leads to metabolic problems, and its symptoms can worsen during menopause.

• Postnatal depression can be triggered by the sharp drop in hormones after childbirth.

• Chemo treatments can induce temporary menopause, leading to additional challenges for women’s health.

• A baseline blood test at 35 may not always provide enough information for long-term health planning.

• Oestradiol, the best anti-inflammatory hormone, plays a crucial role in managing symptoms of menopause.

In conclusion, menopause is far more than just a passing phase in a woman's life. Its effects are widespread, impacting everything from brain function to bone density, mental health, and collagen levels. Understanding the science behind these changes and the role hormones play can empower women to take charge of their health during this transition. And with the right support, including proper HRT, women can navigate menopause more effectively, reducing risks and improving quality of life.

If you want to learn more and find out how WellnessbyGok can help you through your menopause, email hello@wellnessbygok.co.uk