Understanding Female Hormones: Your Comprehensive Guide

Discover how female hormones impact your mood and behavior. Learn about estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, vasopressin, LH, hCG, FSH, and androgens, and their vital roles in the female reproductive system. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate bodily functions, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Each hormone serves specific functions, such as estrogen’s role in sexual characteristics and progesterone’s role in pregnancy. Prolactin is responsible for lactation, while oxytocin facilitates childbirth and bonding. Vasopressin maintains fluid balance, and LH regulates the menstrual cycle. hCG supports pregnancy, while FSH controls egg growth. Androgens impact physical and emotional health.

Hormone fluctuations are normal during puberty, perimenopause, and menstrual cycles. Imbalances can occur due to diabetes, thyroid disease, or stress, leading to symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and weight gain. Delayed or skipped periods may also signal an imbalance. Prevent hormonal imbalances by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as managing stress, getting enough sleep, exercising, and maintaining a fiber-rich diet while avoiding excess sugar and tobacco. These simple changes can restore hormone levels and improve overall well-being.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Vogue India