Learn About Female Hormones and Warning Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

Female Hormones and Warning Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

If you are a female, you must know that our health and mood is under the control of hormones. In this article, I will tell you about female hormones and warning signs that show that hormones are out of balance.

Types of Female Hormones

1. Oestrogens- This group includes three hormones
Oestrone (E1) that is dominant oestrogen after the menopause, Oestradiol (E2) which is the major oestrogen in women and Oestriol (E3) that has a significant role during pregnancy. However, when it is referred oestrogen, we mainly refer to oestradiol. Oestradiol is the primary type of oestrogen that is essential for puberty, ovulation and also conception and pregnancy. It protects the loss of bones and regulates the level of cholesterol.

2. Progesterone- It is one of the primary sex hormones in females. Our ovaries produce it. The level of progesterone increases during ovulation. It thickens the lining of the uterus to which the fertilised eggs implants. During pregnancy, the level of progesterone remains high to maintain the uterus lining. If fertilisation does not happen the level of progesterone decreases, the lining of uterus sheds and period starts.

3. Follicle Stimulating Hormone – Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the ovaries to produce oestradiol. Both the hormones then work together in the growth and development of the eggs in the ovaries. The egg thus ovulated is all ready to fertilization by the male sperm.

4. Luteinizing Hormone- LH or luteinizing hormone too is produced by the pituitary gland. Spike in the level of LH triggers ovulation. This usually happens mid-way through the period cycle. This female hormone also helps in the production of progesterone and oestradiol.

5. Prolactin Hormone- The pituitary gland also produces prolactin or PRL hormone. Although this hormone is important to maintain reproductive health but itis primarily associated with the milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

6. Testosterone- Testosterone is a male hormone but it is to produce in females in small amounts. It controls the sexual drive in females and its level affects the monthly menstrual cycle and reproduction. It also plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and strengthening of bone and muscles.

Female hormones dominate the life of a woman not on when she bleeds every month or is pregnant, or enters menopause but every day. Your lifestyle and eating habits affect the hormonal balance. Below are discussed warning signs that suggests female hormones are in a state of imbalance.

Warning signs of Female Hormone Imbalances

Hormonal imbalance causes irregular or absent periods in the female of reproductive age. Other symptoms include oily skin, acne, and excess hair on the body, mood swings, anxiety and depression, low level of energy, sleep issues, hot flashes, night sweats, libido, dyspareunia and infertility.

Testing Your Hormones

A blood test can check the level of hormone. If you experience delayed periods or irregular periods for more than three months or difficulty in conceiving better have a blood test. Most of the tests for female hormones are done on the third day of periods. Progesterone ovulation tests has to be done seven days before the due date. In addition, the menopausal test suggests you are menopausal which is done in females above 45 years of age who are facing period irregularity or absence of menses for more than three months.

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054/
https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/womens-health