The Hormones That Women Struggle with Every Month!
Reported by Salamat News, citing Simorgh website, mood swings, crazy cravings and crying for no reason? Yes, you know what we are talking about. In a unique survey conducted by Women’s Health and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on the level of knowledge of women about female anatomy, unfortunately, there was not much information. To help you better understand your situation, we share with you a summary of the original article published in November 2014.
If you wear ridiculous pants once a month, eat every cupcake you can get your hands on, or watch TV at 2 in the morning. Guess what? You are completely normal. Reproductive hormones can affect your period, fertility and libido, your mental state and your sleep and appetite cycles. Use these tips to take control.
1- Estrogen
Estradiol is the most important type of estrogen, which helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Stable levels can boost your libido and immune system.
Key effects: Estrogen sends growth signals to every cell in your body, from your breasts to your bones. But too much can cause severe PMS, fertility problems, and even breast cancer. And in very rare cases, it can cause osteoporosis.
Keep it in balance: Being too thin can block estrogen production, while excess fat cells produce a type of estrogen that signals estradiol. Key point: Maintain a healthy weight. Aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 30.
2- Progesterone
This hormone is responsible for building the lining of the uterus each month. Didn’t you notice its effect? A drop in the level of this hormone in the body causes your period.
Key effects: When it comes to love and hate, progesterone has a mild sedative effect that can lead to restful sleep. It can also increase water retention, gas, and constipation.
Keeping it balanced: Since regulating this hormone is so important for conceiving, many mothers turn to vaginal creams. Hold on. Studies show that these creams are useless. What can also help is a very short meditation of about 5 minutes each day.
3- Testosterone
Not just for men, androgen hormones are responsible for regular ovulation and a satisfying sex drive.
Key effects: Too much of this hormone is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and can cause acne, dandruff, or abnormally thick hair. A lack of this hormone can make you feel unwell.
Keep it in balance: Excess testosterone is closely linked to obesity, so try to keep your BMI in balance. If your testosterone levels are low, eat foods rich in zinc, like hummus, which can boost your zinc levels. (Don’t worry, this will boost your energy levels and not make you look like a man-beard).
4- Prolactin
This one is made in the brain and its main function is to release eggs and stimulate milk production in new mothers.
Key effects: High levels of this hormone can reduce libido and cause symptoms similar to menopause.
Elevated levels can slowly stop ovulation.
After giving birth, normal levels of this hormone can help you lose weight faster.
Keep it balanced: Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones like cortisol and prolactin.
To maintain optimal levels of these hormones, you should get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted shut-eye at night.
5- FSH/LH
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) prepares the eggs for the early stages, luteinizing hormone (LH) releases them.
Key effects: Ideal levels of FSH/LH can help maintain optimal progesterone levels, while FSH deficiency has been linked to memory problems, insomnia, and acne.
Keep it moderate: Be careful with your alcohol intake, especially if you’re trying to conceive. Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day can significantly reduce FSH/LH production.
