When you hear the word “hormones,” what comes to mind? Many people associate hormones with moodiness, arousal, or PMS. Hormones are actually in charge of a lot more than that—they affect everything from your bones and muscles to your mood and brain function.
Hormones are “messenger” chemicals that are naturally produced by your body. Your body secretes and uses about 50 hormones, each with their own function. However, when it comes to your menstrual cycle, there are four hormonal powerhouses you need to know about—estrogen, testosterone, serotonin, and progesterone.
Understanding these four hormones can help you better understand your menstrual cycle. This awareness can help you connect with your body, navigate PMS, and figure out when it’s necessary to talk to your doctor.
Estrogen
You’ve definitely heard of estrogen before!
Estrogen is the star of the show for the first two weeks of your cycle, if you count from the first day of your period. It controls the growth of your uterine lining and stimulates the growth of egg follicles, which are the “factories” where your eggs mature.
Remember that your menstrual cycle essentially has the goal of helping you become pregnant and give birth. Since the first half of your menstrual cycle leads up to ovulation, estrogen does a lot to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. It boosts your libido and mood, and even clears your skin up—its clever way of helping you find a mate.
Speaking of sex, estrogen prevents vaginal dryness and the thinning of the vagina wall, keeping the area lubricated and healthy. What’s more is that it helps form your breast tissue and in lactation.
Estrogen is associated with positive moods because it enhances your endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals that make you feel happy and positive. It also increases the production of serotonin, the “happiness” molecule.
Testosterone
Testosterone is associated with men, but it also plays an important role in female health. This hormone tends to make us impulsive, daring, and competitive—and it’s essential for our menstrual health.
Along with estrogen, testosterone boosts our libido just before ovulation. It also helps with bone and muscle health. In fact, testosterone is essential for building muscles.
Because testosterone is more prominent at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, you can take advantage of it by hitting the gym during and just after your period. Not only can this keep cramps away, but it’s a great time to build your strength and improve your fitness!
Serotonin
Serotonin is a hormone that’s associated with mood. If you have a depression or anxiety disorder, low serotonin levels might be to blame.
Serotonin doesn’t just impact your mood—it also regulates your appetite and sleep cycle, as well as your ability to feel sexually aroused. Low serotonin levels might make it hard for you to sleep at night or feel rested, and it can lead to you eating everything in sight.
Serotonin is also strongly related to brain function, especially your memory and ability to concentrate. If you have low serotonin levels, you might also struggle to focus and recall facts. It also impacts our motor skills.
Here’s the interesting part—estrogen increases serotonin production. Because of this, your mood might be better in the first part of your menstrual cycle, as opposed to the last part, which is when you might experience PMS, fatigue, and an increase in appetite.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a sex hormone that’s produced in the corpus luteum of your ovaries, particularly after ovulation. It plays a crucial role in pregnancy by triggering the development of new blood vessels, so that a fertilized egg can implant in the uterine lining. In other words, progesterone makes pregnancy possible, and helps to maintain pregnancy.
Progesterone might also have a depressing effect, according to research. This is partly because of how progesterone communicates with the amygdala, a small part of your brain that acts like an emergency alert system, preparing your body for fight or flight mode. Progesterone increases amygdala reactivity, which could be to blame for PMS.
So, if you’re feeling low near the end of your menstrual cycle, just before your period, remember that brighter days are around the corner. Try some natural mood-boosting activities, like light exercise, creative hobbies, and spending time in nature.
Understanding your menstrual cycle—and the hormones that come with it—is a great way to deepen your relationship with your body. Not only will this help you navigate the mood swings and pain that can come with menstruation, but it’ll also remind you of your body’s own wisdom.
