|
|
|
|
Managing Your Menopause Type®
Educational Class
|
|
Session One - Redefining Menopause
|
|
|
|
Progesterone
Activity & Changes
|
|
|
|
How progesterone can change due to menopause.
|
|
The monthly pattern of progesterone has two
major phases. The first phase is the follicular phase with baseline levels of
progesterone. The second phase is the luteal phase, when progesterone levels
rise to the highest.
|
|
|
Progesterone activity in the
younger premenopause female is so
well defined that the plotting of progesterone levels (pink dots) can be used
to evaluate fertility1.
The body may have more trouble
with blood sugar and insulin with the higher progesterone levels of the
luteal phase, especially in obese and diabetic women 2, 3, 4, 5.
|
|
|
During perimenopause,
abrupt spikes and drops of progesterone may occur 1 - 2.
As noted, hormonal fluctuations appear to be quite common norm during
perimenopause 3. Breakthrough bleeding, or "spotting" in
not uncommon.
Hormones may actually fluctuate back and forth
between pre-menopause and post-menopause levels4.
|
|
|
In postmenopause, progesterone fluctuations
are less severe than during perimenopause, but will continue for years1.
|
|
|
|
|
What this
means to you
|
|
You may still have minor progesterone fluctuations
long after the extreme fluctuations of perimenopause have decreased. Once you
have completely passed into postmenopause you may always have low
progesterone levels, or progesterone levels may always be adequate, or they
may fluctuate into and below ideal range. Knowing your progesterone levels
will help you determine your Menopause Type®, and make informed
choices about how to decrease risks for disease and enhance the quality of your
life.
|
|
|
|
What's
Next?
|
|
The next slide shows the changes that occur with
the hormone testosterone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Managing Your Menopause Type® Educational
Class is provided to the public without charge. This information is provided
for educational purposes only, and is not intended to prescribe treatment.
Consult a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional regarding
the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your
symptoms or medical condition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
