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A TV doctor has shared some “shocking” hormone information as he claimed women are “just expected to get on with it”. According to the expert, if a similar thing happened to men it would be considered a “national emergency”.

Speaking in a video, Doctor Amir Khanexplained more about oestrogen loss. The GP, who is best known for his appearances on ITV, told his followers on Instagram thatoestrogen levels dramatically drop during the menopause.

He said: “Do you want to know one of the most shocking hormone facts I tell my patients, and this is true. After the menopause was many women actually have lower oestrogen levels than men. I know, rude right?

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“Because men keep making a bit of oestrogen throughout life, they convert some of their testosterone into oestrogen using an enzyme called aromatase. But in women at menopause, the ovaries basically retire and oestrogen falls off a cliff.”

Dr Amir continued: “This hormone oestrogen, I mean for women, it's magnificent, it keeps skin plump, collagen-rich, it keeps the vagina and bladder tissues healthy, it protects the bones, it supports brain function and mood, it helps regulate temperature, it even affects sleep and libido.

“So when it drops you get hot flushes, brain fog, joint aches, vaginal dryness, low mood, poor sleep etc. So, here's the bit I always say, if men's testosterone dropped overnight to below women's levels I think it'd be a national emergency, but women are just expected to get on with it.”

His advice was welcomed by many women in the comment section. One woman wrote: “Oh, how I wish you were my GP. You’re so supportive of women and what we go through with things, and yes I have absolutely not one bit of oestrogen left and every symptom going.”

Another said: “So true! If men had to have a hysteroscopy or coil removal without pain relief there would be a national outcry too!” One women added: “Had this exact conversation with my partner yesterday and I said if men went through what women go through with their hormones the world would fall apart and he agreed! Even more a reason for woman to be supported.”

To offset some of the issues caused by this loss of oestrogen, some women will undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is a treatment used to help menopause symptoms.

It replaces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which fall to low levels as you approach the menopause. Menopause symptoms HRT can help to treat include:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood swings
• Anxiety and low mood
• Vaginal dryness

HRT can be offered on the NHS. On its website, the NHS said: “Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55 but it can happen earlier. It affects anyone who has periods.

“Oestrogen and progesterone are an essential part of period cycles, ovulation and pregnancy. They also keep your bones healthy. As you get older, the loss of these hormones can have a big effect on your body.

“To replace these hormones, you'll usually take a combination of oestrogen and progestogen. If you've had a hysterectomy to remove your womb you can take oestrogen on its own.”

However, it is important to note that HRT is not suitable for all women. This can include if you:

• Have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer
• Have a history of blood clots – you may need to use patches or gels rather than tablets
• Have untreated high blood pressure – your blood pressure will need to be controlled before you can start HRT
• Have liver disease
• Are pregnant

The NHS says you should see a GP if:

• You're over 45 years old and think you're having menopause symptoms and you're considering starting HRT
• You're under 45 years old and think you're having menopause symptoms – this may be premature menopause or early menopause

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