How does the female hormone cycle work?
Are you curious about how female hormones work during your menstrual cycle?
Do you want to understand the complex interplay of hormones that regulate the growth and shedding of the endometrial lining, the development and release of the egg, and the changes that occur in the cervix?
You’ve come to the right place.
Your menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs in women of reproductive age. It involves a complex interplay of hormones that work together to prepare your body for pregnancy. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how female hormones work during the menstrual cycle, and why it’s important to understand them.
Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle is divided into four phases: the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, the luteal phase, and the menstrual phase. Each phase is regulated by different hormones that are produced by your brain, pituitary gland, ovaries, and uterus.
Follicular Phase
The follicular phase is the first phase of your menstrual cycle, and it starts on the first day of your period. During this phase, the brain releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate the growth of follicles in the ovaries. These follicles contain the eggs that will eventually be released.
As the follicles grow, they release oestrogen, which thickens the endometrial lining of your uterus. This prepares the uterus for pregnancy and creates a welcoming environment for a fertilized egg.
Ovulatory Phase
The ovulatory phase is the second phase of your menstrual cycle and occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. During this phase, a surge of LH causes the mature follicle to release an egg. The egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus, where it can be fertilized by sperm.
Luteal Phase
The luteal phase is the third phase of your menstrual cycle, and it occurs after ovulation. During this phase, the follicle that released the egg forms a structure called the corpus luteum, which releases progesterone. Progesterone prepares the endometrial lining for implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, and levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, leading to the shedding of the endometrial lining and the start of a new menstrual cycle.
Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase is the fourth and final phase of your menstrual cycle. It is characterized by the shedding of the endometrial lining and the start of a new menstrual cycle. This phase is regulated by the drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels, which triggers the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the muscles in your uterus to contract, which leads to the shedding of the endometrial lining.
Why Understanding Your Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle is Important
Understanding your hormones and your menstrual cycle is essential to understand your reproductive health, (and indeed your overall health!)
Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, painful periods, and other menstrual problems can all be caused by hormonal imbalances. By understanding how your hormones work, you can better manage your menstrual cycle and identify any issues that may require medical attention.
In addition, understanding your menstrual cycle can help you identify your most fertile days, which can be useful if you are trying to conceive. By tracking your menstrual cycle and understanding when they are most likely to ovulate, you can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
If you need any further help with your hormonal health, please contact us on (03) 5201 0557, or via our website www.livingholistichealth.com.
