We don’t usually consider the topic of menopause to be an enjoyable one, but it doesn’t have to be something entirely negative. And it’s an important topic, which is why I find myself talking about it quite frequently on my platforms. Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, but its symptoms can be challenging. From hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes, the shifts in our hormone levels often cause some distress.
The traditional approach to managing these symptoms is to begin hormone replacement therapy or HRT. It involves supplementing lost amounts of estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) and can be life-changing for some women going through menopause. However, as with every aspect of health, I prefer to take a more comprehensive look at what’s going on rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach to create a smoother transition into menopause and promote graceful aging.
During menopause, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes. The ovaries, the primary source of estrogen and progesterone, decrease production as we age. However, estrogen and progesterone aren’t the only hormones at play. Other hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone, produced by the adrenal glands, are also key in regulating mood, energy, and overall well-being.
The decline in these hormones can disrupt the entire hormonal cascade. DHEA and pregnenolone are both precursors to essential hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. Without sufficient levels of these precursors, our bodies struggle to maintain balance, and the menopause symptoms can worsen.
As a holistic nutritionist, I find it essential to do a full hormone panel, especially when addressing menopause symptoms. A comprehensive assessment will include hormones such as DHEA, pregnenolone, and cortisol. Many healthcare practitioners don’t test these precursor hormones, even though their balance is essential to overall hormonal health.
Pregnenolone is the precursor form of almost all steroid hormones, making it crucial for producing progesterone and DHEA. DHEA, in turn, converts to androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens. If these precursor hormones are low, our bodies can’t effectively produce the necessary hormones to maintain optimal health. This is why going beyond traditional HRT and supporting our adrenals with other hormones is often so beneficial in the menopause experience. However, we can’t optimally support our adrenals without testing our levels of these other hormones.
DHEA and pregnenolone both decline with age, and their depletion can contribute to a variety of menopause-related issues, such as low libido, fatigue, cognitive decline, and bone density loss. While HRT is commonly prescribed for menopause symptoms, it’s important to support the body’s entire hormone production pathway by addressing these precursors. With professional guidance, supplementing with DHEA and pregnenolone can help further ease the stress of menopause, leaving us feeling more balanced and energized.
DHEA: This hormone supports the production of estrogen and testosterone, helping to maintain bone density, improve mood, and enhance sexual health. Additionally, DHEA has been shown to support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Pregnenolone: This hormone is critical in brain health, immune regulation, and hormonal balance. It supports the production of progesterone, which helps regulate sleep, reduce anxiety, and balance the effects of cortisol.
As the ovaries slow down during menopause, the adrenal glands take on a larger role in hormone production, especially when it comes to producing DHEA and pregnenolone. The adrenals, located above the kidneys, are responsible for making our stress hormone cortisol, as well as small amounts of estrogen and testosterone. Because of this shift in responsibility, supporting adrenal health is essential for managing menopause symptoms. If the adrenals are overworked from chronic stress or a poor diet, they can become fatigued and less effective at producing these hormones. Then, the body struggles to maintain hormonal balance, leading to worsening symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain.
Cortisol greatly impacts menopause symptoms, whether its levels are high or low. High cortisol can put the adrenals out of commission to focus on making other essential hormones, while low cortisol can result in fatigue and poor stress tolerance. Maintaining a healthy cortisol balance ensures the adrenal glands can keep producing sufficient DHEA and estradiol (a more potent form of estrogen) for a more pleasant aging process.
Additionally, the thyroid is a vital hormone-producing gland. During menopause, thyroid dysfunction can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings—symptoms that are also associated with declining estrogen levels. If left untreated, the adrenal glands have to work even harder to produce hormones, leading to adrenal fatigue. Thyroid hormones influence the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone, which means that poor thyroid function can impair the body’s ability to produce DHEA and other vital hormones. Testing thyroid function, in addition to these other hormones, helps us better support the entire hormone cascade.
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Navigating menopause doesn’t have to be as scary as we often make it out to be. With proper testing and hormone support, we can make the transition easier. But again, the key is to look at the big picture, not just estrogen and progesterone. If you’re beginning to encounter menopausal symptoms, actively experiencing them, or just wanting to optimize your health to prepare for any life stage, then consider booking my Micronutrient Bloodwork + Session Bundle. I’ll help you interpret your labs—including DHEA, pregnenolone, and more—and create an individualized plan to help you transform your health.
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