Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They influence everything from growth and metabolism to sexual function, reproduction, and even mood.
When you’re going through perimenopause and menopause, understanding these hormones and the roles they play can help make sense of the changes and symptoms you’re experiencing.
The key types of hormones
The main hormones involved in perimenopause and menopause are the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, with testosterone playing a smaller role.
These hormones are essential for reproductive health. When they start to fluctuate and eventually decline during the menopausal transition, they can trigger a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
The endocrine system and hormone production
The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These glands, like the pituitary gland, thyroid, and adrenal glands, work together to keep your hormones in balance through feedback loops.
Pituitary gland
Often called the “master gland”, the pituitary gland controls the release of many other hormones. It produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which are essential for reproductive and metabolic functions.
During perimenopause and menopause, the pituitary may release more FSH in response to declining estrogen levels. But this increase doesn’t fully make up for the reduced ovarian function.
Thyroid gland
The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and your sleep-wake cycle. While it’s not directly tied to reproduction, changes in thyroid hormone levels can make the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause worse, like fatigue and mood swings, feel worse.
Adrenal glands
Your adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which help manage stress and regulate blood pressure. They also make small amounts of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone.
During perimenopause and menopause, the adrenal glands may try to compensate for the ovaries’ reduced hormone production, but usually not enough to prevent symptoms entirely.
Reproductive growth and changes
Estrogen and progesterone are especially important for reproductive health.
- Estrogen supports the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, and breasts. It also regulates the menstrual cycle and influences bone health, skin, and cardiovascular function.
- Progesterone helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. It also plays a role in maintaining pregnancy and can affect mood and sleep patterns.
As these hormone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, many people experience symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
FAQs
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemicals produced by your body that act as messengers. They travel through your bloodstream and influence processes like growth, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and mood.
What are the main hormones involved in perimenopause and menopause?
The main hormones are estrogen and progesterone, with testosterone playing a smaller role.
How do these hormonal changes affect my body?
Declining estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Changes in progesterone can affect your menstrual cycle and mood. Shifts in testosterone may impact libido and energy levels.
References
Molnar, C. & Gair, J. “18.1 Types of Hormones.” Concepts of Biology – 1st Canadian Edition. https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/18-1-types-of-hormones/
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. (2024). Aging changes in hormone production. Accessed 1/14/2026 from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004000.htm
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. (2025). Hormones. Accessed 1/14/2026 from https://medlineplus.gov/hormones.html
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