subject: Estrogen And Menopause [print this page] Estrogen continues to be produced in a woman's body even after menopause.
The ovaries still produce small amounts and they also produce androgens which are converted into estrogen in fat cells where they are stored for future use.
The other glands that produce androgens are the adrenal glands. They are responsible for producing about 80 percent of the male hormones known as androgens which they convert into estrogen. These two glands are situated just above the kidneys and are very important in many functions of the body such as maintaining energy levels, digestion of sugars and carbohydrates, providing important minerals and releasing adrenaline during times of acute stress.
In our modern world, men and women are under a lot of stress. This is due to many reasons such as long work hours, financial worries, poor eating habits and high intake of refined sugars and stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. The adrenal glands are able to combat these stressors over a short period of time without difficulty but if stress is prolonged and becomes chronic, these glands become drained of nutrients and burn out.
Chronic fatigue, low energy, sensitivity to cold, addiction to salty and sweet foods, need for stimulants such as caffeine to provide energy and difficulty sleeping are all possible signs of adrenal fatigue or burn out.
Giving our bodies proper nutrition before and after menopause will keep our adrenals working properly. Add vitamins B and C to your diet. Eat green leafy and orange vegetables. Include nuts and seeds in your daily diet. Decrease sugar and caffeine intake. Avoid soda drinks as they rob the body of calcium.
Treating our bodies well with proper diet exercise and sleep will keep sufficient estrogen flowing even in menopause and help us live a full vibrant life with fewer symptoms of menopause.
