|
|
|
|
Managing Your Menopause Type®
Educational Class
|
|
Session One - Redefining Menopause
|
|
|
|
Testosterone
Activity & Changes
|
|
|
|
How testosterone can change due to menopause.
|
|
The monthly pattern of testosterone has not been
given too much attention, even though it is quite significant. The monthly
pattern of testosterone is similar to the pattern of estradiol. The
testosterone cycle begins with the follicular phase, with baseline levels of
testosterone. This is followed by the midcycle, which has a large spike of
testosterone that mimics the estradiol spike. During the luteal phase levels
continue to be higher than the baseline levels observed earlier in the cycle.
|
|
|
Testosterone activity in the premenopause female has been well
defined and may be plotted over a period of a month to demonstrate changes
that take place during the month.
|
|
|
As with other hormones, the perimenopause is marked by a
significant change from the relatively rhythmical monthly cycle to an
erratic, unpredictable monthly shifting of testosterone. Testosterone levels
may "spike" or “drop” many times within a month.
Testosterone fluctuations may play a significant
role in many of the symptoms and problems associated with perimenopause and menopause
4, 6 - 8.
|
|
|
The postmenopause
testosterone pattern fluctuations are less severe than during perimenopause,
but will continue for years1.
|
|
|
|
|
What
this means to you
|
|
You may still have minor testosterone fluctuations
long after the extreme fluctuations of perimenopause have decreased. Once you
have completely passed into postmenopause you may always have low
testosterone levels, or they may always be adequate, or they may fluctuate
into and below ideal range. There is also the possibility that you may always
have high testosterone levels, or they may fluctuate into and above ideal
range. Knowing your testosterone 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 some of the actions and
interactions of estradiol, progesterone and 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
