the 3 primary hormones
Progesterone
Progesterone is one of most important hormones made by the human body. As women enter menopause, their levels of progesterone and other sex hormones start to significantly decrease. This often leads to unwanted symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, anxiety, depression, low sex drive, food cravings, trouble sleeping, cramps, weight gain, and bloating.
Progesterone's role in hormone replacement therapy:
- Helps enhance hormonal balance of the progesterone and estrogen ratio
- May improve mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and sleep problems
- Helps protect against endometrial and ovarian cancer
- Helps to regulate menstrual cycles in women who are still menstruating
Estrogen
The term "estrogen" refers to a group of related hormones, each with a unique activity. The three main estrogens women produce are: Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3).
Estrogen's role in hormone replacement therapy:
- May relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats by re-establishing normal balance
- Helps to reduce bone loss
- Increases HDL (“good” cholesterol) while decreasing LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
- May improve mood, energy levels and sleep patterns, as well as memory and cognitive function
- Helps to improve vaginal dryness and vaginal thinning
Testosterone
Testosterone, an androgen hormone, is an important hormone in women and men. It is important to the integrity of skin, muscle, and bone.
Testosterone's role in hormone replacement therapy may:
- Support improvement in sex drive
- Increase lean muscle mass
- Improve energy levels and mental alertness
