Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — Estrogen Receptors

By Dr. Sherry LaBeck of ZRT Lab Perimenopause is the transition between a woman's reproductive years and menopause, characterized by a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to physical and emotional symptoms. Understanding the role of estrogen during this phase is essential for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for women going through this transition. What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s, though some may experience symptoms as early as their mid-30s, which is known as premature menopause. During this phase, the ovaries produce less estrogen until menstruation stops, marking the onset of menopause....

By Tracy Tranchitella, ND, ZRT Laboratory The intricate interconnection between the human microbiome and the endocrine system highlights a significant communication network, wherein both systems profoundly influence one another. Particularly noteworthy is the relationship between estrogens and the gut microbiome. The estrobolome is the portion of the microbiome that influences estrogen metabolism. First defined in 2011, the estrobolome is the collection of all enteric bacteria capable of metabolizing estrogens (1). The estrobolome can impact endogenous estrogen metabolism by modulating the enterohepatic circulation of estrogens thus influencing plasma estrogen levels (2). Dysbiosis, diet, and gut infections can alter the microbial environment...

Estrogen plays a role in more bodily functions than just reproduction. In fact, estrogen has many important functions in the brain. Studies show that decreasing levels of estrogen can cause two of the most common perimenopause symptoms – hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Curious how this happens? Read on to learn the details of this biochemistry. Summary The main focus of this blog is the time in a woman’s life right before menopause, conveniently called perimenopause. The difference between menopause and perimenopause is fairly straightforward – menopause is the time after periods stop happening, and perimenopause is the time leading...