est. 1995
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Hot Flashes
Hot Flashes
At approximately age 45 to 50 estrogen levels begin to fall. When they fall below the levels necessary to signal the uterine lining to thicken and gather blood, the menstrual flow becomes less and/or irregular, eventually stopping altogether.
Hot Flashes… one of the primary symptoms associated with menopause in industrialized countries. Although there is no empirical proof of the cause for hot flashes the following explanation sounds reasonable:
At menopause, estrogen levels fall and progesterone levels are usually already low. An area in the brain’s hypothalamus (the GnRH Center) monitors estrogen and progesterone levels. When levels of these hormones decline:
- This triggers the GnRH which, in turn,
- Stimulates the pituitary to make the hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
- This, then triggers the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone.
- The rise in these hormones inhibit further production of GnRH
- Heightened GnRH activity activates the vasomotor center, causing hot flashes & perspiration
In addition to hot flashes, the heightened activity of the hypothalamus can cause mood swings, fatigue, feelings of being cold, and inappropriate responses to other stressors. Many women will have symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal thyroid hormone levels.
Summary
- The GnRH center effectively signals to increase estrogen and progesterone levels.
- Elevated estrogen and progesterone inhibit GnRH release.
- After menopause the ovaries no longer make estrogen and progesterone.
- Lack of estrogen and progesterone response results in increased activity of the GnRH center.
- Heightened GnRH activity activates the vasomotor center, causing hot flashes and perspiration.
Solution
In a favorable environment, the female body will make safe, proper levels of estrogen from a properly formulate bioidentical progesterone cream.