Progesterone & Estrogen
Progesterone and Estrogen shift rhythmically back and forth over the course of the menstrual cycle. Maintaining the delicate balance between the two hormones will keep you feeling vital. As we get older, the amount we make of each can fluctuate more widely, particularly when under stress.
Progesterone is produced primarily by the ovary after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. It's also made in lesser amounts by the adrenal glands and the testes. Its main job is to prepare the body for pregnancy and regulate the menstrual cycle with estrogen. It also plays a role in mood and sleep. If there is no pregnancy, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone levels decrease which triggers menstruation.
Possible causes of low progesterone
Anovulatory cycle = no ovulation
PCOS
Hypothyroidism
Chronic stress
Low cholesterol levels
Hyperprolactinemia
Possible signs of low progesterone
PMS migraines
Lumby & sore breasts
Irregular/absent periods
Heavy periods
Painful periods
Spotting between periods
Disturbed sleep
Water retention
Estrogen
Estrogen is the queen hormone over the first half of your menstrual cycle, the follicular phase. This hormone stimulates the growth of the uterine lining and breasts, protects the brain, supports bone & cardiovascular health, and promotes vaginal lubrication. It can also make you feel great – you may feel energetic & more confident during the first part of the cycle.
We talk about one estrogen but there are others!
Estrone (E1) is a weaker estrogen and is predominant in menopause.
Estradiol (E2) is our primary estrogen & most abundant. It’s produced in the ovaries & plays a part in sexual development, brain, breast, bone & cardiovascular health.
Estriol (E3) rises during pregnancy and peaks just before birth.
Your estrogens need to be inactivated to maintain normal levels. They go through metabolism via different phases. Phase I (hydroxylation), Phase II (methylation, glucuronidation, and sulphation) and the final phase is removing the metabolites in the urine and stools.
Excess Estrogen Symptoms
Bloating / water retention, heavy bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, fibroids, endometriosis, painful periods, mood swings, PMS, anxiety, and weight gain. Quite a list!
Possible causes of excess estrogen
Body not breaking it down & getting rid of it, as it should.
High body fat. Fat tissue secretes estrogens.
Excess alcohol can increase estrogen levels and disturb its metabolization.
High stress can rock the balance of progesterone & estrogen.
Xenoestrogens. Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (both found in plastics), pesticides, cleaning & personal care, contain Xenoestrogens that act like estrogen when in our body.
During perimenopause our progesterone declines and estrogen can be as highest it’s ever been & fall drastically.
Maintaining this delicate balance between the two hormones is essential for your health.