Oestrogen: Why It’s Essential for
Women’s Health — Even After Menopause
Oestrogen is often talked about only in the context of fertility and menstruation. But it plays a much bigger role in women’s health — affecting everything from bone density and brain function to skin elasticity and cardiovascular health.
During menopause, oestrogen levels naturally decline. But that doesn’t mean we stop producing it altogether — our bodies simply shift production from the ovaries to other tissues, like the adrenal glands and fat cells. The challenge? Many women have factors in their lives that make it harder to produce enough of this vital hormone for optimal health.
Why Oestrogen Matters
Oestrogen:
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Protects bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis (Riggs et al., 2002)
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Supports cardiovascular health by maintaining healthy blood vessel function (Mendelsohn & Karas, 2005)
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Boosts brain function and memory (Brinton, 2009)
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Supports skin elasticity and hydration
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Helps regulate mood by influencing serotonin pathways
What Happens During and After Menopause
As ovarian production of oestrogen slows, the body relies on “backup” production from the adrenal glands and fat tissue. But if the adrenals are overworked due to chronic stress, or if liver function is sluggish (affecting hormone metabolism), this backup system can struggle.
Factors That Affect Oestrogen Production Post-Menopause
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Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue
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Poor liver detoxification from toxins, alcohol, or nutrient deficiencies
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Gut dysbiosis, which can affect oestrogen recycling (via the estrobolome)
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Low body fat — extremely lean women may struggle to maintain adequate levels
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Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B vitamins, magnesium, zinc)
Symptoms of Low Oestrogen
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Hot flushes & night sweats
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Vaginal dryness
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Low libido
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Sleep disturbances
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Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
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Poor memory and concentration (“brain fog”)
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Joint aches and pains
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Thinning skin and hair
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
How Naturopathy Helps Balance Oestrogen Naturally
At Bayshore Naturopathic Clinic, we don’t just look at hormone levels in isolation. We address the whole body to restore balance:
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Adrenal support – to improve backup oestrogen production
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Gut health restoration – to ensure healthy oestrogen recycling and reduce inflammation
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Liver detoxification support – to metabolise hormones efficiently and prevent build-up of harmful oestrogen metabolites
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Nutritional repletion – targeted nutrients to support hormone pathways
Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Support
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Eat a phytoestrogen-rich diet – flaxseeds, soy, chickpeas, and lentils can gently support oestrogen activity
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Strength training – helps maintain bone density and muscle mass
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Stress reduction – yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to protect adrenal function
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Sleep hygiene – consistent bedtimes, no screens before bed, and a cool sleeping environment
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Limit alcohol & caffeine – both can worsen hot flushes and affect liver detox
Supplements & Herbs with Evidence for Menopause Symptom Relief
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Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) – shown to reduce hot flushes (Shahnazi et al., 2013)
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Red clover (Trifolium pratense) – contains isoflavones that mimic mild oestrogenic effects (Tice et al., 2003)
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Sage (Salvia officinalis) – can help reduce sweating and hot flushes (Bommer et al., 2011)
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Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) – may improve energy and mood (Brooks et al., 2008)
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Magnesium & B vitamins – support adrenal function and neurotransmitter production
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Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce inflammation and support mood balance
The Takeaway
Oestrogen is a whole-body hormone — it affects far more than just reproductive health. After menopause, your body still needs it, and you still make it — but your ability to produce and balance it depends on the health of your adrenals, liver, and gut.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low oestrogen or struggling with menopause changes, the sooner you take action, the better. By addressing your body as a whole, naturopathic care can ease symptoms, protect long-term health, and help you feel like yourself again.
💬 At Bayshore Naturopathic Clinic, we create personalised menopause support plans based on functional testing, lifestyle changes, and targeted natural therapies — so you can thrive in this next stage of life.
📅 Book your consultation today and take control of your hormonal health.
References:
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Riggs, B.L., Khosla, S., Melton, L.J. (2002). Sex steroids and the construction and conservation of the adult skeleton. Endocrine Reviews, 23(3): 279–302.
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Mendelsohn, M.E., Karas, R.H. (2005). Molecular and cellular basis of cardiovascular gender differences. Science, 308(5728): 1583–1587.
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Brinton, R.D. (2009). Estrogen-induced plasticity from cells to circuits: predictions for cognitive function. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 30(4): 212–222.
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Shahnazi, M. et al. (2013). The effect of black cohosh on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 18(1): 19–23.
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Tice, J.A. et al. (2003). Isoflavones for hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 290(2): 207–214.
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Bommer, S. et al. (2011). Efficacy and safety of a fresh sage preparation in the treatment of hot flushes in menopausal women: a multi-centre, open clinical trial. Advances in Therapy, 28(6): 490–500.
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Brooks, N.A. et al. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Menopause, 15(6): 1157–1162.
