7. The Post Menopause State

Known as your new biological state for the remainder of your life. This happens when you have not had your period for 12 months in a row.

Estrone becomes the dominant estrogen in your system and it is 10x weaker than Estradiol (E2). Estrone is the precursor of E2 which is formed in the adrenal glands and adipose tissue.

Estrone converts to E2 - estradiol, via the conversion of testosterone. Even though we are able to make this conversion, the levels of E2 are still much lower than at our pre-menopausal levels.

Our bodies respond by changing the sensitivity of estrogen receptors as well as changing the density (sensitivity) of these receptors.

Possible Body Symptoms:

• Up to about 6 years post menopause a women can continue to have vasomotor symptoms (heat flushes), mood fluctuations and sleep issues.

• Bleeding is not normal but can happen.

• Heavy bleeding is not common or normal and should be checked by your doctor. This can happen because estradiol can cause unchecked growth in the endometrial lining due to decreased or no progesterone to counter this growth pattern. Remember estrogen and progesterone keep each other in check.