The Menstrual Cycle
Most women are probably only aware of their menstrual cycle in terms of their period and possibly ovulation (because they know they are most fertile and likely to get pregnant then) but when pressed they may also have noticed the influence of their changing hormones on their overall wellbeing. PMS just before a period, a feeling of confidence around the time of ovulation or the famous hot flushes of menopause are good examples of this.
Throughout the cycle, hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, influencing various bodily changes. Estrogen rises during the follicular phase and peaks just before ovulation while progesterone takes over during the luteal phase. A hormonal imbalance during any of the menstrual phases can not only result in irregular periods but annovulation (a cycle where ovulation does not occur) and a range of other issues including PCOS, weight gain, acne, fatigue, mood swings and many more…
1. Follicular Phase:
The menstrual cycle begins with the follicular phase. While you might expect your period to be the end of your cycle it is actually the start. Day one of your period is in fact day one of your menstrual cycle. At the beginning of the follicular phase the brain sends a signal to the ovaries to start maturing an egg inside a follicle. Estrogen plays a crucial role during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, rising rapidly once a follicle has started developing and peaking at ovulation. As estrogen levels rise, so too do your mood and energy levels. Estrogen helps in the production of serotonin, a mood balancing chemical, which is why an imbalance in oestrogen can affect your emotional well being. Too high levels of oestrogen can also sometimes lead to anxiety and stress.
The 2 main phases of the menstrual cycle are the estrogen dominant Follicular phase and the progesterone dominant Luteal phase.
Ovulation
Ovulation is when the body releases an egg, and it's the time when your fertility is at its peak. Midway through the cycle, usually around day 14 in a 28-day cycle, a surge in luteinising hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg from the follicle. This is ovulation. It's a relatively short but crucial phase and can last for up to 24 hours. This is the time during your cycle when you are most likely to get pregnant.
2. Luteal Phase:
After ovulation comes the Luteal Phase when the body prepares either for pregnancy or a period. After ovulation the levels of estrogen fall and the levels of progesterone rise. The now empty follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum. This structure releases progesterone, which helps maintain the thickened uterine (womb) lining, preparing it for a potential pregnancy. If fertilisation doesn't occur hormone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining—the menstrual period. At the end of the luteal phase estrogen levels have plunged which may cause PMS symptoms in some women. Progesterone is a calming hormone which helps sleep and emotional and intellectual function. Disruptions in progesterone levels can cause irritability, depression and sleeping problems
Understanding your cycle and observing changes and symptoms will not only give you a better insight to what’s going on in your body but can also give clues to possible hormonal issues or even flag potential health problems. The first step to solving a problem is to recognise the cause and very often in women’s reproductive health we confuse symptoms with causes. We need to recognise that symptoms are an indicator that something may be wrong with our hormone balance and looking after our hormone health may just be the solution to a lot of those problems.
These are some of the more common signs that you may have a problem with your hormone balance.
Possible Symptoms of hormonal imbalance:
Mood Swings: One moment you're on cloud nine, and the next, you're feeling low. Hormone imbalance can contribute to emotional rollercoasters, affecting mental well-being.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Changes in the duration and intensity of periods might signal hormonal fluctuations.
Fertility Difficulties/ PCOS: You may not be aware you have a hormonal imbalance until you decide to start a family and realise that getting pregnant is not as easy as you were led to believe. Planning a pregnancy is difficult if you don’t know if or when you ovulate. Hormone related issues such as PCOS can make getting pregnant a challenge.
Fatigue: Feeling drained and exhausted even after a good night's sleep? Hormones could be playing a role in your energy levels.
Skin Troubles: Hormonal imbalances often make their presence known through skin issues, such as acne or dryness.
Weight Fluctuations: Difficulty in managing weight? Hormones can influence metabolism and appetite, making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
Anxiety and Depression: Whether it comes in waves of mild anxiety or rolls over you like a panic attack, anxiety can be scary but it is less frightening if you understand that it may be caused by an imbalance in your hormones and can be helped by promoting healthy hormones.
Sleeping Difficulties: Lying in bed and can’t switch your brain off, even though you are exhausted? Before you reach for sleeping pills consider whether it might be a sign of hormone imbalance.
Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms: The physical and emotional rollercoaster of the peri/menopause is directly clinked to the decline in hormones now that you are reaching the end of your fertile phase in life. You do not have to suffer! Lifestyle, nutritional and exercise changes can help enormously and if you still feel like you need help then try plant based hormonal help or visit your doctor for advice on beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
These are some less common sign that all might not be right with your hormone balance
Hormone Help Supplements.
Hormone Help is based on the principle of Seed Cycling. This is a Food as Medicine practice which uses the naturally occurring plant-based hormones found in seeds to support your own natural hormonal cycle. This means providing your body with the nutrients needed to boost estrogen production during the first half of your cycle and progesterone during the second half. Supporting the right hormone at the right time.
Hormone Help Supplements were developed to be taken in sync with your menstrual cycle, giving your hormones the boost they need to stay in balance. Because we know that so many women’s reproductive health issues are caused by changes in the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle it makes sense to support those hormones when they need it - at the correct phase of the natural hormonal cycle. With Hormone Help you can include this plant based hormonal support in your diet during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to help promote the healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486#symptoms
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/
This blog is intended for informational purposes only, it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or advice. If you are concerned that the symptoms you are experiencing are severe please consult your doctor. Common symptoms of peri/menopause and hormone imbalance such as heart palpitations, anxiety, muscular-skeletal pain etc should be taken seriously and medical issues ruled out before looking for natural hormonal balance solutions.
