What happens when the big two leave the stage?
The Others Go a Bit Rogue
(A deeper dive into your other key hormones in menopause)
Picture this: You’re running a company. Two of your most experienced executives—let’s call them Oestrogen and Progesterone—decide to retire. They’ve been running the place for decades, keeping everything smooth, balancing the budgets, calming down the drama in the lunch room.
And now? Well… the rest of the team has to pick up the slack. Some step up. Others go rogue. A couple start raiding the biscuit tin.
Welcome to your hormonal workplace in peri- and menopause.
Last week, we talked about Oestrogen and Progesterone and their big boss roles. Today, we’re meeting the rest of the crew and seeing what happens to them when the bosses leave the building.
Testosterone – Your Inner Drive Engine
Yes, women have testosterone too—just in smaller amounts than men. It’s the hormone that fuels your muscle strength, confidence, libido, and get-up-and-go energy.
The bad news? Testosterone levels start declining in your 30s and keep trickling down. When Oestrogen steps out, you feel the loss even more.
The impact?
You might notice less motivation—like your “oomph” has been swapped for a doona and Netflix.
Lower muscle mass means you lose tone faster and burn fewer calories at rest. Muscle mass = higher metabolism which is the rate at which you burn calories.
Reduced sex drive can happen—not always, but enough to feel the difference.
The good news: Strength training, protein-rich eating, and yes—sometimes medical support—can help fire up your testosterone power again.
Cortisol – The Stress Boss Who Won’t Clock Off
Cortisol is your “keep you alive in a crisis” hormone. Brilliant when you’re outrunning a tiger. Less brilliant when it’s reacting to emails, traffic, or the fact you can’t find your car keys (which are in your hand).
When Oestrogen is around, it helps buffer cortisol spikes. Without that buffer, stress hits harder and lingers longer.
The impact?
Weight gain around the middle (cortisol’s favourite storage zone).
Poor sleep, which then makes cortisol rise even more.
Feeling wired but tired—your brain’s on overdrive while your body feels exhausted.
The good news: Try to lower your “everyday tiger” moments. Use breath work (breathe in for 4, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8, this well known technical helps lower your blood pressure in just 3 cycles), have micro breaks, get out in nature, and try some guided meditation, even if it’s for 3mins.
Insulin – The Sugar Traffic Controller
Insulin moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. Insulin also instructs your fat cells to absorb sugar if there is too much of it in your blood stream which equates to fat gain. Oestrogen used to make your cells more sensitive to insulin—meaning they responded well. Without it, your cells can become a little “meh” about insulin’s instructions.
The impact?
Blood sugar spikes and crashes—hello, afternoon slump and snack cravings.
Easier weight gain—especially if carbs dominate your plate.
More inflammation—which doesn’t help hot flushes or joint aches.
The good news: You can support this shift by increasing your protein and healthy fats. Decrease your carb intake, particularly your simple carbs as this is basically sugar. Think all white things = sugar. Stick to complex carbohydrates.
Thyroid Hormones – Your Metabolism’s Thermostat
Your thyroid hormones keep your energy, metabolism, and temperature regulation in check. They also work closely with Oestrogen, so when Oestrogen leaves, your thyroid can get a bit sluggish.
The impact?
Slower metabolism—that “I swear I just looked at that muffin and gained weight” feeling.
Low energy—dragging yourself through the day.
Dry skin, brittle nails, hair changes—your body’s way of conserving energy.
The good news: If you suspect thyroid slowdown, don’t just “push through.” Get tested and support your thyroid with nutrient-rich foods—especially iodine, selenium, and zinc.
The Takeaway
When Oestrogen and Progesterone step out, the other hormones don’t vanish—they just behave differently. Understanding how they interact is like finally getting a copy of the real office politics manual.
This is not about fighting your body—it’s about learning her new language, supporting the hormones that are still showing up for work, and gently retraining the ones that have gone a bit rogue.
So next time you feel flat, stressed, puffy, or just “not yourself,” remember—it’s not you. It’s the new team dynamics. And with the right strategies, you can still run the show like the powerhouse you are.
Put the mask on you first, work with your remaining hormones not against them and thrive again!
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