What to expect during Menopause- Part 2

Understanding Your Hormones and the Role they Play in Menopause There are three major hormones involved in the normal menstrual cycle: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Each of these hormones has a unique role. Estrogen: Estrogen is responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive organs. Estrogen combines with progesterone and steadily increases until ovulation. If a woman becomes pregnant, then estrogen and progesterone levels remain high. If fertilization does not occur, then estrogen and progesterone secretion decreases. The uterus sheds the lining and menstrual bleeding occurs. Estrogen and Bone Health Estrogen also plays a role in bone health. It inhibits breakdown and increases bone formation. This is the reason why postmenopausal women can be susceptible to osteoporosis. The estrogen hormone also helps in maintaining good cardiovascular health, boosting HDLs (the ‘good ‘cholesterol as they remove fat plaques lodged