Hormones

“Hormones are chemicals made in your body
that relay messages through your bloodstream.
For example, your hormones tell your body to eat and…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Hormones Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Estrogen/Oestrogen
  • Hormones
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone
  • Women’s Sex Hormones

Hormones

What are hormones?

DotS the definition of hormones may vary. The (United States) Endocrine Society’s definition is:

“Hormones–Made by endocrine glands, hormones are chemical messengers that travel in the bloodstream to tissues or organs. They affect many processes, including growth, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and mood”.2

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Hormones are chemicals made in your body that relay messages through your bloodstream. For example, your hormones tell your body to eat and sleep”.3

Menopause

What causes menopause?

In What Is Menopause? What Causes Menopause? the JH explain:

“Menopause is caused by a drop in certain hormones such as oestrogen. From about 35 to 40 years of age, you have fewer eggs left in your ovaries and don’t ovulate (release an egg from your ovary) as often. Menopause means your ovulation and periods stop”.4

Menopause Hormones

What three hormones are of particular relevance at menopause?

In What Is Menopause? Hormones and Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“The three main hormones that change as you approach menopause are:

  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone.

The change in hormone levels can lead to different menopausal symptoms”.5

Oestrogen

What does oestrogen do?

The JH note:

“Oestrogen is produced from the cells around the eggs in your ovaries. It is one of the main female sex hormones. Oestrogen plays an important role in the female body. For example, it’s needed for the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy and bone strength. It also helps with brain function and bladder control and protects you from heart disease.

Your oestrogen production changes in the lead-up to menopause. As you approach your final period, your number of eggs decreases, and oestrogen levels drop by up to 90%”.6

Progesterone

What does progesterone do?

The JH explain:

“Progesterone is responsible for things like mucus levels in your cervix, acidity levels in your vagina and milk cells in your breasts. It can also impact your mood.

Progesterone is produced when an egg is released. It prepares your uterus for a fertilised egg and pregnancy. As you approach your final period, your progesterone levels decrease”.7

Testosterone

What does testosterone do?

The JH note:

“Testosterone is produced by your ovaries and other parts of your body.

You might think testosterone is a male hormone but it also plays an important role in women’s sexual desire, emotional wellbeing and bone and muscle strength.

Testosterone decreases gradually with age. In some women, levels fall by half between the ages of 20 and 40 years”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I need help with my hormones?

If you need help with your hormones, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can clarify your signs and symptoms, discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hormones?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hormones?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Aging Changes In Hormone Production
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. HormonesAskpcos.org [Ask PCOS]
  4. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  5. BMS TV: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  6. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  7. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  8. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  9. Bone Health, Hormones and the Real Risk of Osteoporosis [09 September 2025]
  10. Brain Hormones
  11. Centre for Research Excellence In Women’s Health In Reproductive Life (CRE WHiRL)
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  14. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  15. Do You Need Hormone Testing?
  16. Endocrine Diseases
  17. Endocrine Library
  18. Endocrine Society [United States]
  19. Endocrine Society [United States]: Patient Engagement
    Hormones
  20. Endocrine Topics
  21. Endocrine-Related Organs [+ The Essential Guide To Your Hormones]
  22. Ese-hormones.org [European Society of Endocrinology]
  23. Estrogen
  24. Estrogen: What It Does and 5 Benefits
  25. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  26. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society: Australia and New Zealand]
  27. Find An Endocrinologist
  28. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  29. Feel-Good Hormones: How They Affect Your Mind, Mood and Body
  30. Glossary
  31. Happy Hormones: What They Are and How To Boost Them
  32. Health-Related Quality of Life In Women With Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: A Scoping Review of the Literature and Implications for Targeted Interventions
  33. Healthyhormones.au [Healthy Hormones, Australia]
  34. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  35. Hormones
  36. Hormones
  37. Hormones and Endocrine Function
  38. Hormones and Health | Dr Louise Newson
  39. Hormones and Inflammation | Dr Louise Newson
  40. Hormones and Metabolism: Unlocking the Science With Professor Franck Mauvais-Jarvis
  41. Hormones and Urinary Symptoms In Women | Dr Louise Newson
  42. How To Talk To Your Doctor About PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
    Hormones
  43. I’m A Woman Approaching Middle Age, Do I Need To Get My Hormones Checked?
  44. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s] [Other Languages and Formats]
  45. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Myths] [Other Languages and Formats]
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause
    Black Women’s Menopause
  49. Menopause
    Hormones
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  52. PCOS Guideline
    Hormones
  53. Reproductive Hormones [+ What Does Estrogen Do?]
  54. Society for Endocrinology [United States]
  55. Speaking of Psychology: Hot Flashes, Heart Health and Hormones: Rethinking Menopause, With Rebecca Thurston, PhD
  56. Testosterone Replacement In Menopause
  57. The Chemical Question: Does Focusing on Hormones Undermine Mental Healthcare?
  58. Video Resource: Menopause and Health Living – What Is Early Menopause? [Multiple Languages]
  59. Video Resource: Menopause and Health Living – What Is Menopause? [Multiple Languages]
  60. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: When Your Periods Leave Too Early
  61. Webinars: Previous – Genetic Causes of POI
  62. Webinars: Previous – Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause
  63. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  64. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  65. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Hormones and Menopause
  66. What Is the Menopause?Hormones
  67. What’s the Connection Between Estrogen and Osteoporosis?
  68. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning
  69. World Hormone Day [24 April 2025]
    Hormones
  70. Yourhormones.info [You and Your Hormones: An Educational Resource From the Society of Endocrinology, United States]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Hormones and Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 17 September 2025
  2. Glossary. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/glossary Accessed: 17 September 2025
  3. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Hormones and Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 17 September 2025
  4. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? What Causes Menopause? Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 17 September 2025
  5. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Hormones and Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 17 September 2025
  6. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Hormones and Menopause: Oestrogen. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 17 September 2025
  7. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Hormones and Menopause: Progesterone. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 17 September 2025
  8. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Hormones and Menopause: Testosterone. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 17 September 2025
Topic Last Updated: 17 September 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 September 2025

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