The body’s endocrine system creates hormones that regulate growth, sex characteristics, reproduction, and metabolism. It’s also responsible for maintaining hormonal equilibrium and balance within the body. As we age, however, the endocrine system may stop functioning properly.
By age 35, the ovaries begin to produce decreasingly less progesterone. Ultimately the ovaries completely cease production of progesterone once a woman no longer ovulates, leading to estrogen dominance. Without enough progesterone in the body, estrogen, which is a highly active hormone, is no longer balanced. This excess of estrogen can cause the dilation of blood vessels, and is responsible for headaches associated with menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause.