Four intelligent hormones

Progesterone is one of our reproductive hormones and is important for pregnancy. It’s also a brain hormone and nervous system hormone. This is why it’s calming, and helps with adapting to stress. Progesterone is created by the corpus luteum as part of the ovulation cycle and is dominant for the second part of the menstrual cycle (also known as the luteal phase). It lowers dramatically a couple of days before menstruation, which can cause premenstrual tension. Progesterone levels change along with oestrogen during perimenopause, which can lead to a decreased ability to cope with stress at that time.

Oestrogen is the hormone most often associated with ovulation and is produced mainly in the ovaries. Ovulation doesn’t happen without oestrogen. When it’s in balance, oestrogen is a very positive hormone, as it supports mood, sleep and libido. Oestrogen receptors are very sensitive during the teenage years which can lead to heavy periods for a while. Oestrogen can also fluctuate during perimenopause, leading to hot flushes and insomnia with oestrogen deficiency, or breast tenderness and irritability when it’s dominant.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by our pineal gland in response to darkness. It helps control the sleep-wake cycle. Blue light from phones and other devices suppress melatonin production. Not enough sleep contributes to inflammation, and affects hormones and metabolism as well as causing irritability and poor concentration.

Hormones naturally fluctuate, as they react to stress, light, dark, and each other. They also need energy and sufficient calories, protein, fat and carbohydrate. Studies have indicated key nutrients for hormonal health include iodine, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins, especially. Proper rest, and good sleep, are essential foundations for health, and this includes hormones.

This list is four important hormones I think all women should be aware of. If there’s something here you are looking for support with, please feel free to get in touch.

“I’ve been seeing Tracy for a year and a half to support with balancing my hormones. Throughout our time working together, she has been so supportive, compassionate and kind. She would listen carefully to everything I would bring up and ensured that those concerns were heard and addressed. Some unexpected personal things came up during our time working together and Tracy was truly amazing at supporting me with that and providing remedies that would support me physically and emotionally.”