Low Estrogen and Progesterone: What You Need to Know

1. Mood Swings: They're like a wild rollercoaster ride for our emotions. One moment, we're feeling lots of anxiety and the next, we're in tears over a cute puppy video. Low estrogen and progesterone can mess with our emotional stability, leaving us feeling like we're on an emotional tightrope.
2. Sleep Struggles: Ah, beauty rest, the elusive treasure we once took for granted. As our hormone levels drop, falling asleep can become a challenge. We toss, we turn, and we find ourselves counting sheep till the cows come home. It's like we're stuck in a never-ending battle with insomnia.
3. Vaginal Dryness: Vaginal dryness is a very common symptom of low estrogen. It's like our lady parts decided to go on vacation without any hydration. Sexual intimacy can become uncomfortable and even painful.
4. Libido: Decreased desire and interest in sex.  Lack of sensitivity also makes it difficult to achieve arousal, pleasure and orgasm. Fatigue, sleep disturbances and weight gain also make women disinterested in sex. 
5. Weight Gain: Its like our metabolism hit the breaks and my waistline said “Hello extra pounds.”  We used to be able to eat whatever we wanted without a care, but now its like my body holds onto every bite like its a treasure. 
6. Skin: Just when we thought we were done with acne woes, those pesky breakouts resurface. Low estrogen can lead to an increase in sebum production, clogged pores, and those lovely acne flare-ups.  Also wrinkles!  Those little lines show that we’ve lived, laughed, and experienced a life full of adventures —they are there because of a decrease in collagen and elastin making our skin a bit less plump and resilient.
7. Low energy: Remember those days when we felt like we could conquer the world? Now low energy becomes a frequent visitor, leaving us feeling like we’re running on empty. Its like our batteries need a little extra boost.
8. Heavy Periods: Just when we thought we had it all figured out, our periods decide to play tricks on us. They become heavy, long, or simply unpredictable - showing up when we least expect them or disappearing without notice. 
9. Excessive sweating or even hot flashes:  It's like a sudden blast of heat that hits you out of nowhere — making the sweat start to trickle down.  Your face turns into a tomato and you're left fanning yourself like crazy.  Too much sweating without working out is a telltale sign of low estrogen and can make you feel like you're roasting in an oven.

How estrogen and progesterone help:

1. Mood Swings: Estrogen tends to have a brightening effect, boosting our mood and making us feel more energetic.  It can give us a sense of well-being and even enhance our memory and focus because it raises dopamine in the brain. Progesterone has a calming influence.  It can make us feel a bit more relaxed —- it is nature’s benzodiazepine — binding to GABA receptors in the brain to help us feel calm. 
2. Sleep Struggles: Estrogen interacts with receptors in the hypothalamus and the brainstem and influences neurochemical processes involved in sleep regulation. It also promotes serotonin synthesis, which enhances our sleep quality. Progesterone enhances GABA activity in the brain — leading to a calming effect and facilitation sleep.
3. Vaginal Dryness: When estrogen level are sufficient, the vaginal lining stays well-hydrated and healthy. It also maintains the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal walls, preventing dryness and discomfort during sexual activity. It also helps maintain the acid environment which results in a healthy vaginal ecosystem — keeping things smooth and enjoyable!
4. Libido: Estrogen activates key areas in the brain such as the limbic system that stimulate sexual thoughts and desires.  Estrogen maintains the health and function of vaginal tissues including blood flow, sensitivity and lubrication. When the vaginal walls are hydrated and elastic sexual activity is more comfortable and pleasurable for us ladies!
5. Weight Gain: Estrogen boosts metabolism and helps burn calories. It influences appetite and contributes to increases satiety and decreased appetite. It is needed for metabolic flexibility and health. Progesterone curbs cravings for carbs too! 
6. Skin: Estrogen reduces and prevents wrinkles in women by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin — in fact, they can’t really be made without estrogen!  It also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, which gives the skin a hydrated look.  Progesterone prevents excessive oiliness and is anti-inflammatory so it reduces eczema, rosacea and acne.  The result is a glowing, youthful complexion.
7. Low energy: Estrogen increases energy levels for us — it can have a positive impact on mood, motivation, and overall vitality. It also enhances physical performance — helping us build muscle strength and endurance.  Progesterone promotes a state of balance and stability in the body, which can support energy throughout a very stressful day. 
8. Heavy Periods: Heavy bleeding is an indication that progesterone levels are very low and that the uterine lining is fragile. When we use progesterone it regulates menstrual bleeding by controlling the growth of the endometrium. With use over time, periods become light and short, or non-existent. 
9. Excessive sweating or even hot flashes: Estrogen works its magic on hot flashes!  It helps to regulate the hypothalamus, which is the part of our brain that controls body temperature. Estrogen brings sweet relief — you can say goodbye to those sudden bouts of heat and hello to feeling more like yourself again.

How Can Inner Balance Help?

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the safest, and most effective way to relieve these symptoms.  Diet, exercise, meditation and lifestyle modifications are important to do, but they will never correct a hormone deficiency in older women who can no longer make hormones.  Likewise, supplements, herbs and precursor hormones like DHEA and pregnenalone only serve to boost hormones slightly — usually not enough to achieve the vitality and strength we had when we were younger. 

Inner Balance’s method is safe and effective because we use hormones that are identical to what is produced in your body — in forms that your body most easily recognizes and metabolizes — and in amounts that you had when you were younger.

Traditional methods are limited and other ways of taking hormones (i.e. orally, patch, transdermal) often do not end up treating all of a woman’s symptoms.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you're not alone.  This incredible journey called life doesn’t have to be like this — you don’t have to put up with insomnia, brain fog, lack of mental clarity, low energy, weight gain or sexual dysfunction. 

Rather, Inner Balance can help with alleviate all the symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause.  One small habit a day is all you need.  The best years are ahead of you!

“This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.”