Hormones 101

Hormones. What a minefield, right? I mean, women have so many complex systems going on in their bodies that they really have no idea where to start. Excuses, really. This blog post will attempt to break down, simply, the major hormonal players women have occurring in their bodies every single day. 

ESTROGEN

This is the main hormone women are familiar with. We are associated with estrogen and it is dubbed the 'female' hormone much like testosterone is dubbed the 'male' hormone. (Hint, they are in both of us!) The main production site for estrogen is the ovaries but you do have small amounts in your fat cells and adrenal glands. When you are pregnant, your placenta also makes estrogen-how cool?! 

Estrogen affects a LOT. We are talking brain, hair, skin, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and urinary tract. Kinda important to keep a handle on, hmm? It also plays a key role in all our menstrual cycle functions like puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation! You can get your levels tested via a blood test but levels vary widely during the month. 

PROGESTERONE 

This is produced in the ovaries AFTER ovulation (that's your Summer Season). The placenta will also produce some when pregnant. The main function of this hormone is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by creating the lining in preparation for the fertilised egg and it also suppresses estrogen after ovulation. 

TESTOSTERONE

Ah, the ever-famous 'male' hormone! Our bodies create small amounts of testosterone in our ovaries and adrenal glands. The role of this hormone is to help support the regulation of our menstrual cycle, sexual desire, and the strength of our bones and muscles. 

LUTEINIZING and FOLLICLE STIMULATING (LH & FSH)

These are produced in our pituitary glands and production increases as we hit puberty. This, in turn, stimulates our other hormones, especially estrogen. 

And there you have it! The very basics of our hormone production. If you are interested in learning more, let me know and I can put you on the Waitlist for my new program that will be launching in October!