Part 1 Hormones in Peri-Menopause and Menopause

Introduction

• Overview of Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause and Menopause

Disclaimer

• Important Considerations Before Testing and Interpretation

Hormone Testing

• Blood Testing
  • Total Hormones: Bound, Inactive, and Active Forms
  • Sex Steroid Hormones: Oestrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone
  • Peptide Hormones: Insulin, Thyroid Hormones
  • Hormonal Regulators and Binding Globulins: FSH, LH, SHBG
    • Saliva Testing
      • Free/Active Hormones and Relevance to Symptoms
      • Influence of Bio-Identical Creams and Troches
      • Advantages and Disadvantages of Saliva Testing
    • Urine Testing
      • Free/Unbound Hormones and Metabolites
      • Advantages and Limitations

Monitoring Hormones

• Techniques and Challenges in Monitoring Hormonal Levels
• Comparative Analysis of Cortisol, Estradiol, and Progesterone

Testosterone

• Role of Testosterone in Perimenopause and Menopause
• Measuring Testosterone: Blood Testing, SHBG Considerations

Regulatory Hormones

• FSH and LH: Their Roles and Reference Ranges
• Impact of Menopause on FSH Levels

Oestrogen

• Forms of Oestrogen: Pre-Menopausal vs. Post-Menopausal
• Oestrogen Depletion and Recalibration During Menopause
• Reference Ranges and Testing for Oestrogen Metabolism

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

• Overview of MHT and Its Clinical Implications
• Estrogen Metabolism and Related Pathways
• Methylation and Glucuronidation Support

Special Considerations

• Early and Late Onset Menopause
• Postmenopausal Bleeding: Causes and Diagnostic Procedures
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone Testing: Fertility and Menopause Indicators

Progesterone

• Importance of Progesterone During Perimenopause
• Deficiency Symptoms and Natural Remedies (e.g., Vitex, Ginger, Withania)
• Micronised Progesterone in MHT

Dietary Considerations

• Soy and Phytoestrogens: Benefits and Risks
• Addressing Common Menopausal Symptoms like Hot Flushes

Conclusion

• Summary and Final Thoughts
• Resources for Further Information and Support