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What are the Effects of Perimenopause & Cortisol?

Women usually associate perimenopause and menopause with the words estrogen, hot flashes and hormone replacement therapy. Research confirms the hormone cortisol, known as the stress hormone, also plays a role in changes occurring in the body during perimenopause, including changes in physical appearance and health.

  1. Perimenopause

    • Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause---the cessation of the reproductive cycle in women. During this period that begins at approximately 45 to 55 years of age, hormonal changes occur with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Appearing on their website, the Mayo Clinic's article "Perimenopause," addresses the symptoms that vary in the way they are experienced by the individual. Among them are irregular menstrual periods, headaches, flushing of the face and chest (hot flashes), mood swings, vaginal dryness, weight gain and frequent and sudden need to urinate.

    Cortisol

    • Harrison Wein, Ph.D., in his article "Stress and Disease: New Perspectives" appearing on the National Institutes of Health "Word on Health" website, tells us cortisol, produced by the adrenal cortex (found on top of each kidney), is important for the regulation of energy and aids the immune system in fighting disease. Situations involving protracted periods of stress can trigger overproduction of cortisol resulting in negative side effects including prolonged suppression of the immune response. As documented by researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University, it is a also factor in menopausal obesity.

    Cortisol and Body Weight

    • The hormonal changes occurring during perimenopause results in a decrease in the body's ability to produce lean muscle mass. This causes an increase in body fat as stated in Epigee's article "Menopause and Weight Gain." These naturally occurring changes in body shape can induce stress leading to an elevation in cortisol levels. High amounts of cortisol in the bloodstream are linked to an increase in abdominal fat as confirmed by researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University.

    Cortisol and Immunity

    • In the article by Harrison Wein, Ph.D., we also discover that physical and emotional stress can intensify to the point where increased cortisol levels in the bloodstream remain high failing to return to pre-stress levels. When stress originally occurs, the body diverts energy to the areas where it is most needed for the fight or flight response---muscles, for example. To do this, some processes, like the immune response, are temporarily shut down. When cortisol levels remain high, the immune response continues to remain inactive placing the body at risk of attack by disease-causing agents like bacteria and viruses. This can also lead to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, believed to be caused by an immune system malfunction, and to psychological problems due to anxiety stemming from the increase in blood pressure and heart rate associated with the fight or flight mode.

    Treatment

    • The Mayo Clinic tells us that stress reduction techniques are recommended to alleviate some the symptoms and problems associated with perimenopause. They also suggest eating a healthier diet to minimize hot flashes and decrease the risk of health problems that may develop, such as osteoporosis and cardiac problems and to establish a regular exercise routine, proven to relieve stress and control weight. Drug therapy, including oral contraceptives and hormones, is another treatment option available for symptom relief.

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