Decoding The Wild Ride: Hormones During Menstrual Cycle

Ever feel like your body’s on a rollercoaster ride during your period? One minute, you're floating on cloud nine, and the next, you're tackling the world like a warrior princess – or curled up in a blanket with chocolate. Welcome to the fascinating world of hormones during menstrual cycle! And, no, none of it is just in your head – there’s an entire hormonal symphony playing inside you, making those mood swings, cravings, and energy crashes happen. But what’s really going on behind the scenes? Well, let’s break it down and get to know your body's inner workings a little better!

Why Do Hormones During Period Go Up And Down?

The hormones during menstrual cycle don’t just stay steady – they rise and fall like the tide! Why, you ask? Well, it’s all about preparing the body for potential pregnancy, and each phase of the cycle needs a specific level of hormones to support different processes. 

These hormonal fluctuations not only affect the body’s physical state but can also trigger mood changes, leaving you feeling like you’ve got a front-row seat to an emotional rollercoaster. Don’t worry, though; it’s totally natural! Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this show – the hormones themselves.

Meet the Main Characters: The Four Key Menstrual Cycle Hormones

Your period hormone cycle is governed by four key hormones, each playing a role in how your body feels and functions. These hormones are the VIPs behind your mood changes during period, energy levels, and more. So, who are they? Let’s meet them!

Estrogen: The Confidence Booster & Energy Lifter

Estrogen is like the life of the party! It’s the hormone that gives you that glow, boosts your energy, and makes you feel unstoppable (at least until the second half of your cycle). Here’s what happens:

• First Half of the Cycle (Follicular Phase): Estrogen starts rising as the body prepares for ovulation. This hormone works hard to build the uterine lining, getting it ready for a possible pregnancy. It’s at its highest here, which is why you might feel more energetic, confident, and social—almost like you’ve got a natural mood booster coursing through your veins!

• Ovulation: Estrogen peaks, making you feel your most vibrant. It also stimulates the release of an egg from the ovary, which is why you feel that extra burst of confidence and energy – your body is literally in its prime, ready for action!

• Second Half of the Cycle (Luteal Phase): Estrogen begins to dip after ovulation, and that natural high starts to fade. As estrogen drops, you might notice a slight drop in energy and a shift in mood, making you feel a bit more mellow, or even irritable. Your uterine lining, still thick from estrogen’s earlier work, is now getting ready to either host a fertilized egg or shed if pregnancy doesn't occur.

Progesterone: The Chill Pill (or Not-So-Chill)

Progesterone is the hormone that calms everything down. Think of it as your internal zen master – except when it’s not. It’s essential for preparing your uterus for pregnancy, by thickening the uterine lining, making it a comfy place for a fertilized egg to settle. However, progesterone can also have a love-hate relationship with your mood.

• Post-Ovulation: After ovulation, progesterone rises to help maintain the thickened uterine lining, creating a cozy environment in case pregnancy occurs. This rise in progesterone is meant to help you feel a bit more grounded, chill, and relaxed—like you’re in the calm, zen phase of the month. However, it can also cause mood swings, especially if progesterone is too high or if it causes a drop in serotonin levels. So, while it’s supposed to help you stay calm, it can sometimes lead to a more irritable or sluggish feeling.

• Pre-Menstruation: If pregnancy doesn't happen, progesterone drops dramatically. This sudden decrease triggers the shedding of the uterine lining, which is your period. As progesterone drops, you might experience some of the most infamous PMS symptoms, like bloating, irritability, or feeling extra sensitive—because your body’s hormonal balance is adjusting to this drop.

Testosterone: The Underrated Powerhouse

Testosterone isn’t just for athletes – it’s your secret weapon too! Even though it’s often associated with men, women also have this hormone, and it’s crucial for maintaining your strength, motivation, and libido.

• Follicular Phase: During the follicular phase, testosterone is on the rise. This contributes to your sense of empowerment, strength, and motivation. It’s that “I can conquer anything” energy that can make you feel like taking on the world! It also plays a role in stimulating your muscles, giving you the drive to tackle tough workouts and challenges. When testosterone is on the up, you're primed to feel like a total powerhouse!

• Luteal Phase: As the cycle moves toward the luteal phase, testosterone begins to decline. This decrease can make you feel a bit less motivated or energetic. It’s one of the reasons why that tough workout might feel more like a struggle or why you’re not as excited to hit your goals as you were earlier in the month. 

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): The Cycle Regulators

Think of LH and FSH as the directors of your hormone show – making sure every scene plays out at just the right time. These two hormones are in charge of regulating the entire menstrual cycle, keeping everything on track and ensuring that your body does what it needs to when it needs to. Here's how they do it:

• LH: LH is the one that makes things happen right before ovulation. Just before the egg is released, LH spikes, signaling your ovaries to release a mature egg. This spike is what makes you feel like a fertility queen – your body’s ready to do its thing, and that’s when you’re at your most fertile! Think of LH as the “go” signal for ovulation.

• FSH: FSH is like the behind-the-scenes prep crew, working its magic in the background. This hormone stimulates the growth of follicles in your ovaries, each one containing an egg. By encouraging the follicles to mature, FSH sets the stage for ovulation, ensuring that when the time comes, your body is ready to release that egg and get things rolling. 

How to Work With Your Hormones (Not Against Them!) 

Now that we know what’s going on in your body, it’s time to figure out how to make these hormonal fluctuations work in your favor. You don’t have to fight your hormones monthly cycle. Instead, you can embrace it by adjusting your diet, doing regular exercise, and making some lifestyle changes. 

Eat According to Your Cycle

Your body’s nutritional needs change throughout the month, so why not adjust your diet accordingly? When estrogen is high, it’s a good time for lighter, nutrient-dense foods. When progesterone takes over, it’s time for comforting, grounding meals. Think whole grains, leafy greens, and healthy fats to support your body’s needs. 

Exercise Smarter, Not Harder

You don’t need to push yourself through grueling workouts every day. During the follicular phase, your energy is high, so hit those intense workouts! But when progesterone spikes and you’re feeling sluggish, try gentler exercises like yoga or swimming. Listening to your body is key.

Manage Stress & Sleep for Hormonal Harmony

Stress can wreak havoc on your period hormone cycle, so try relaxation techniques like meditation or journaling to calm your mind. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep – it’s essential for hormone regulation.

Support Your Hormones with Supplements (If Needed)

If your hormones are feeling out of whack, supplements like magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3s can help balance things out. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting anything new, but these can work wonders!

Takeaway

So there you have it – your hormones during menstrual cycle are basically the backstage crew of your own personal reality show, running the whole drama from mood swings to energy bursts. One minute you’re channeling your inner goddess, the next, you’re curled up with a bag of chips – but hey, that’s just the magic of your hormones! By tuning into these hormonal shifts and working with them (instead of against them), you’ll be able to ride the wave like the queen you are. So, next time those hormones start doing their thing, just remember – they’re just here to keep things interesting, so embrace the rollercoaster and enjoy the ride!

FAQs

1. What are the 4 hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?

The four main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and LH/FSH (luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone). These hormones work together in a finely-tuned dance, guiding your body through each phase of the cycle. Estrogen is responsible for building up the uterine lining, while progesterone helps maintain it if pregnancy occurs. Testosterone boosts energy and libido, while LH and FSH regulate the release of eggs from the ovaries. Each hormone fluctuates in response to different stages of the cycle, affecting everything from mood to physical symptoms.

2. Which hormone is high during your period?

During your period, estrogen starts to rise again, even though it's at a lower level compared to other phases. While progesterone drops to trigger menstruation, estrogen slowly increases toward the end of your period as your body prepares for the follicular phase (the next part of your cycle). This gradual increase in estrogen helps repair the uterine lining, getting it ready for a potential pregnancy. Estrogen’s rise can contribute to a boost in energy and mood as your period wraps up, setting the stage for a more vibrant and confident you as the cycle progresses.

3. What is the 28 day hormone cycle?

The 28-day hormone cycle is divided into four phases: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. In the menstruation phase, the body sheds the uterine lining, leading to your period. During the follicular phase, estrogen begins to rise, preparing the body for ovulation. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, and estrogen peaks, making you feel energized and confident. The luteal phase follows, where progesterone rises to help maintain the uterine lining in case pregnancy occurs. If pregnancy doesn't happen, progesterone drops, leading to the next period. Hormones fluctuate throughout each phase, influencing everything from mood and energy to appetite and libido.

4. What hormones cause periods to start?

The start of your period is triggered by a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormone drops signal to the body that pregnancy hasn’t occurred, and the uterine lining is no longer needed. The shedding of the lining is what leads to menstruation.

5. Which hormone is known as the angry hormone?

Progesterone often gets the blame for the “angry hormone” title. As progesterone rises in the second half of your cycle (the luteal phase), it can cause a drop in serotonin levels, which might trigger feelings of irritability, mood swings, and sometimes even anger or frustration. This is often why many people feel more short-tempered or sensitive right before their period starts.

6. What is the love hormone during your period?

The love hormone is estrogen, especially around the time of ovulation. As estrogen peaks, it not only boosts your energy and confidence but also increases feelings of attraction and affection. It helps you feel more connected and in love with yourself – and possibly others, too! This is when you might feel like your most vibrant self, radiating positive energy and confidence. Estrogen’s effects can also improve your skin and mood, making you feel extra glow-y during the fertile window.

Sources

1. Healthline: Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

2. Healthline: How to Use Cycle Syncing to Connect with Your Body