A guide to female reproductive hormones

Pretty much everyone has heard of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, right? But did you know that there are actually *several* reproductive hormones involved in female reproductive health? Let’s take a closer look at what these hormones actually do. 

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  • Oestrogen

    • Is our feminine hormone, causing fat distribution on our hips, butt and thighs. 

    • Oestrogen functions to thicken the endometrial lining, controls fluid and electrolyte balance, stimulates vaginal lubrication, increases libido, brain function, memory and mood balance, and is essential for cardiovascular and bone health. 

    • There are 3 types of oestrogen: 

      • Oestrone (E1): predominant in menopause and pregnancy. 

      • Oestradiol (E2): reproductive oestrogen, is typically measured in blood tests. 

      • Oestriol (E3): rises in pregnancy and is cancer protective. 

    • Oestrogen excess relative to progesterone can result in symptoms including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, water retention, tender enlarged or fibrocystic breasts, weight gain in the hips and bleeding changes when menstruating.

  • Progesterone

    • One of progesterone’s important roles in the body is to maintain the lining of the uterus to allow pregnancy. 

    • Progesterone is also important to reduce anxiety; allopregnanolone (a progesterone metabolite) binds to GABA-A receptors. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, promoting calmness, good mood, and sleep, and reduces anxiety and depression. 

    • Progesterone also lightens periods, boosts thyroid function, is anti-inflammatory, and promotes healthy hair and skin. 

    • Progesterone helps us use fat as energy. 

  • Testosterone

    • While typically thought of as a “male” hormone, it is normal for women to have some androgens. 

    • Testosterone is needed for bone health, mood and libido.

    • Elevated testosterone is often seen in PCOS, and can result in irregular periods, hair loss, acne and a male hair pattern or hirsutism. 

  • Luteinising hormone (LH):

    • Is a pituitary hormone which triggers the dominant follicle to release an egg. 

    • Elevated LH can be detected with a urine strip. When you see a positive LH strip, you should ovulate within 36-40 hours. 

    • Is often abnormally elevated in PCOS.

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): 

    • Is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, before the release of an egg from one follicle at ovulation. FSH is highest just before ovulation. 

    • FSH is often higher in women in their 40’s or peri-menopause, resulting in a shorter follicular phase. 

    • Elevated FSH & LH levels may indicate both ovulation issues and miscarriage risk.

If you are having period problems, fertility issues, or don’t feel *quite right*, there could be something amiss with your reproductive hormones. If you are tired of playing detective or trying to work it out on your own, book an appointment so we can work out your hormone puzzle together.

Hayley Brass