Estrogen is produced by the ovaries, and the placenta during pregnancy. As women approach menopause, production decreases, and many women experience symptoms. After menopause, levels can completely stop, and symptoms can include:
Hot flashes, night sweats, MEMORY ISSUES, OSTEOPENIA OR OSTEOPOROSIS, VAGINAL DRYNESS, DRY SKIN, SLEEPLESSNESS, IRRITABLE BLADDER, INCONTINENCE, AND OTHE SYMPTOMS. Low levels of estrogen increase your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, colon cancer, macular degeneration, urinary tract infections, and memory disorders.
Benefits of estrogen replacement include an increase in bone health, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, improving libido, improving depression and mood swings, , maintaining skin elasticity and preventing wrinkles, prevention of hot flashes and temperature dysregulation.
Progesterone is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta. Progesterone levels begin to decline at menopause and can fall to almost zero. Progesterone can lead to a decrease in DHEA and androstenedione that can lead to long facial hairs and thin scalp as seen in elderly women.. Progesterone may decrease these symptoms, and may increase the activity of thyroid hormone.
Progesterone replacement therapy can lighten periods, decrease cramping, decrease facial hair, help lower bad cholesterol levels, protect against breast and uterine cancer, burn fat, stabilize blood sugar, and counteract side-effects of estrogen