menopause
peri-menopause
Oestrogen is a powerful hormone with receptors located throughout your entire body. As levels naturally decline during the menopause transition, changes can occur across multiple systems—which is why more than 50 different symptoms can be linked to this stage of life.
Brain & Mood: Oestrogen helps regulate temperature, mood, and cognitive function. Its decline can contribute to hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, and "brain fog."
Bones: Oestrogen helps limit bone breakdown. Lower levels accelerate bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Muscles & Joints: Oestrogen supports muscle repair while influencing inflammatory pathways. Reduced levels may contribute to increased joint pain, changes in muscle strength, and a higher risk of tendon injuries.
Metabolism: Oestrogen influences how the body stores and uses fat, as well as insulin sensitivity. Declining levels can be associated with increased abdominal fat and greater metabolic risk.
Heart & Blood Vessels: Oestrogen supports vascular function and influences cholesterol. After menopause, cardiovascular risk increases due to the combined effects of hormonal change and aging.
Vaginal & Urinary Health: Oestrogen maintains the thickness, elasticity, and moisture of urogenital tissues. Lower levels can cause vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and urinary symptoms.
Skin & Connective Tissue: Oestrogen supports collagen, skin thickness, and hydration. Its decline may contribute to drier, thinner skin and reduced elasticity.
The Key Takeaway
Menopause symptoms can seem entirely unrelated, but there is a common biological thread. Because oestrogen influences your brain, bones, muscles, metabolism, heart, and connective tissues, its decline can produce a surprisingly wide range of daily symptoms and longer-term health changes.
Dr Jessie Huang, Affirm Medical
Consulting in Albany Creek, Grange, and Hendra.