The Star Players of Your Sex Hormones
Estrogen
Estrogen is your star player! It is a circulating hormone mainly made within the ovaries. Fat tissue and the adrenal glands also make a small portion of this powerful hormone. During pregnancy, the placenta makes estrogen mainly in the form of Estriol. Non-pregnant women of reproductive age produce estrogen in the form of Estradiol. This is the most common form of estrogen and it is a powerhouse!
Estrogen plays various roles in the body. It helps to develop and maintain the reproductive system and many female characteristics.
Estrogen plays a huge role in reproductive milestones such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
cognitive function
metabolism
insulin sensitivity
inflammation
cardiovascular system
hair
skin
Estrogen is important in the ability for reproductive organs to function as well. It stimulates the growth of the egg follicle. Helps to maintain the thickness of the vaginal wall and promotes lubrication as well as the uterus mucous. It also helps form breast tissue and stop the flow of breast milk after weaning.
Like any star player when it is working with the team, things are amazing, but sometimes it can steal the show and cause some issues on the court.
Too much estrogen, especially in relation to progesterone can cause negative symptoms such as
acne
loss of sex drive
osteoporosis
weight gain
depression
anxiety
PMS symptoms
painful periods
fertility problems
headaches
bloating
breast soreness
vaginal bleeding
sleep disorders
memory loss and confusion
Estrogen dominance can result from excess fat, problems with the body’s elimination systems, endocrine disruptors, synthetic hormones, and lifestyle habits such as poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise.
Estrogen levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, and through cycle syncing you can ensure healthy estrogen function.
Progesterone
After ovulation, the follicles that were once responsible for producing estrogen now begin to produce progesterone. The adrenal glands, peripheral nerves, and brain cells also produce a small amount.
The role of progesterone is to prepare the uterus lining for a fertilized egg and to suppress estrogen production after ovulation. Progesterone has also been shown to create a calming effect in the brain, increase libido, and contribute to the effective use of fat cells.
The progesterone-estrogen balance is very important in the luteal phase. An imbalance of these hormones is thought to be the cause of many negative PMS symptoms.
Testosterone
Testosterone is an androgen, a male sex hormone, but it is very important for women as well in smaller quantities.
Testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands as well as the ovaries. Its role is important in:
sexual desire and libido
regulation of the menstrual cycle
bone and muscle strength
growth and maintenance of reproductive tissue
Too much testosterone can cause a change in women’s physical appearance as well as behaviour. Excess testosterone may look like:
irregular hair growth, specifically facial hair
hair loss, especially around the crown and part
acne
infertility
missed periods
anovulatory cycles
depression and anxiety
Excess testosterone can be caused by PCOS, Hirsutism, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH and FSH work synergistically to ensure normal follicular growth and ovulation.
These two hormones are dominant in the follicular phase as they help stimulate the egg follicle to grow. Therefore, they are important in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone production and fertility.
Special Mentions
It is worth mentioning that sex hormones are also impacted by and influence other hormones. Insulin and cortisol are two that I thought should be mentioned as they interact strongly with overall hormonal health.
Insulin
Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that allows your body to use glucose for energy. It influences metabolism, energy, and balancing blood glucose levels.
Insulin sensitivity is influenced throughout your menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone both affect insulin and its ability to do its job.
Issues with insulin sensitivity and Type 2 diabetes have been shown to cause an array of issues within the reproductive system. Women with PCOS and Estrogen dominance often have an issue with insulin sensitivity as well.
Cortisol
Cortisol is the stress hormone released by the adrenal glands. It is the hormone responsible for flight or fight reactions and is important in daily life. Unfortunately due to our high stress lifestyles, over exercise, environment and injury, many people have chronic elevated cortisol levels.
High cortisol inhibits the production of LH and in turn affects FSH, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone production. Chronic cortisol activation can lead to adrenal fatigue and sex hormones may be converted to cortisol because the adrenals burn out.
Therefore, in the maintenance of healthy hormone balance, stress reduction is essential.
Exercises such as yoga and pilates, walking, meditation, and adaptogenic supplements are helpful in reducing stress and cortisol levels.
Source: helloclue.com
Hormones and your cycle
How do all of these hormones interact throughout the cycle?
Menstrual Phase
During your menstrual phase, sex hormones are at their lowest. During this phase LH and FSH are secreted to signal the ovaries to start growing an egg follicle. At this time between 3-30 eggs begin to develop and the strongest one will continue preparing to be released later on.
Follicular Phase
As the dominant egg continues to grow in your follicular phase, it begins to produce estrogen. Higher levels of estrogen stimulate an LH surge that happens closer to ovulation.
Ovulatory Phase
Ovulation is when the egg is actually released. The surge in LH causes the follicle to rupture and the egg to release. The egg is only able to be fertilized within 12-48 hours of its release.
Luteal Phase
The luteal phase begins after ovulation. The follicle that once housed the egg and produced estrogen now closes and begins releasing progesterone. Progesterone helps to build up the uterine lining and prepare for a fertilized egg to be implanted.
If a fertilized egg is not implanted, estrogen and progesterone both decrease and the cycle starts over again.
If progesterone and estrogen are imbalanced during your luteal phase, many women will experience PMS symptoms.
