Not just Oestrogen: the hormones behind perimenopause and menopause
Perimenopause has become one of the most talked-about women’s health topics in recent years, and honestly, it is about time. For too long, menopause was reduced to hot flushes and the occasional joke about opening windows. In reality, it is a complex hormonal transition, and for many women, it can feel like familiar rhythms of sleep, mood and energy have quietly started to change.
Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Menopause itself is reached after 12 consecutive months without a period. While every woman’s experience is different, these hormonal changes can influence much more than the menstrual cycle. They may affect sleep, mood, skin, concentration, sexual wellbeing, energy and overall quality of life.
More Than Just Oestrogen
Oestrogen tends to get most of the attention, but it is not the only hormone involved. During perimenopause and menopause, changes in oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone may all contribute to the way women feel and function.
Oestrogen plays an important role across many areas of women’s health. As levels fluctuate and later decline, some women may experience hot flushes, night sweats, dry or itchy skin, vaginal dryness, mood changes or brain fog.
Progesterone is closely linked with ovulation and the second half of the menstrual cycle. As ovulation becomes less regular during perimenopause, progesterone levels can also fluctuate. This may be one reason some women notice changes in sleep and restlessness.
Testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone, but women naturally produce it too. In women, it plays a role in sexual desire, energy and general wellbeing. During midlife, changes in hormones, sleep, stress and life stage may all contribute to changes in libido and motivation.
So, while the hormonal changes of midlife are complex, the way they show up can feel very practical: less focus, more stress, drier skin, restless nights or feeling tired but wired. Supporting these everyday wellbeing concerns can be one way to feel more informed and supported through the transition.
Supporting Wellbeing Through the Transition
Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages, but that does not mean women need to simply put up with feeling uncomfortable. Lifestyle strategies, health professional advice and selected nutritional or herbal medicines may all have a place in supporting wellbeing.
Depending on individual symptoms and needs, support may include products that assist with stress, mental focus, skin hydration, nervous system function and sleep quality. Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Magnesium Night may each be considered as part of a broader self-care approach.
For stress and mental focus: Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg
Midlife can be a busy season. Hormonal change, work, family, ageing parents, sleep disruption and the general mental load can all arrive at once. No wonder some women feel like their brain has 48 tabs open and at least three are playing music.
Herbs of Gold L-Theanine 200mg contains AlphaWave®, a clinically studied purified form of theanine. It helps calm the mind, relieve symptoms of stress and supports mental concentration and clarity.
For women looking for support with stress and focus during demanding life stages, L-Theanine may be a gentle option to consider.
For skin hydration: Herbs of Gold Sea Buckthorn Oil
As we move through life, our skin naturally changes in response to diet, hormones and environmental factors. If your skin feels lacking in hydration, consider focusing on beneficial fatty acids in your diet.
Herbs of Gold Sea Buckthorn Oil provides a balanced profile of omega-3, 6, 7 and 9 fatty acids to support skin hydration.
For women noticing dry skin, Sea Buckthorn Oil may be a useful addition to a broader skin health routine that also includes drinking plenty of water, sun protection and nourishing skincare.
For nervous system and muscle support: Herbs of Gold Magnesium Night
While Magnesium Night is not positioned as a menopause-specific product, it may be considered for general nervous system support.
The formulation contains magnesium glycinate, an organic, well-absorbed form of magnesium. Magnesium supports a healthy stress response in the body and nervous system function.
Magnesium Night also contains Passionflower and California poppy, herbs traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as nervous system relaxants to induce sleep and relieve restlessness. Passionflower is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of mild anxiety, while California poppy is traditionally used as an analgesic to relieve pain.
It is important to note that supplements may not be suitable for everyone. Speak with your pharmacist or GP before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Perimenopause and menopause are not simply about “low oestrogen”. They involve a changing hormonal landscape that may influence how women feel, sleep, think and function day to day.
Understanding what is happening can make the experience feel less confusing and more manageable. With the right support, whether that is lifestyle, medical care, pharmacist guidance or selected nutritional support, women can feel more informed and supported through this important life stage.
If symptoms are severe, persistent or affecting your quality of life, speak with your pharmacist, GP or healthcare professional for personalised advice.
References:
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (2026, May 26). Perimenopause. https://www.health.gov.au/perimenopause/understanding/perimenopause?language=en
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (2026, May 26). Symptoms. https://www.health.gov.au/perimenopause/understanding/symptoms
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause: Symptoms, causes and management. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/
- Menopause Alliance Australia. (n.d.). Hormones, what happens to them? https://menopausealliance.au/menopause/hormones-what-happens-to-them/
