Female Hormones Explained

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is one of the most common endocrine conditions that effect women, with a prevalence of 4-12%. In the United States alone, over 5 million women have PCOS. The true cause of PCOS is still up for debate, but we now kn…

Female Hormones

Estrogen:

The "Queen Bee" of hormones. Women produce three types of estrogen in our bodies: estradiol, estriol and estrone. Estradiol is the type of estrogen primarily made in the ovary and influences puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause (and everything in-between!).

Progesterone:

Termed the "calming" hormone, is produced by the ovary after ovulation and plays an important role in early breast development, and if/when the egg becomes fertilized, progesterone helps to maintain the pregnancy.

Testosterone:

Produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries, testosterone is a key player in regulating menstrual cycle, building bone and muscle, and enhancing sex drive.

Hormone Imbalances

A complex symphony of hormonal changes occur every month and throughout a women's life cycle. Hormone imbalances can lead to some pretty miserable symptoms and can happen anytime in a women's life cycle. There are many causes of hormonal imbalances and it often it takes a skilled practitioner to determine the root cause of such challenges.

Just a few of the common symptoms of hormonal imbalances include mood swings, weight gain, irregular periods, sleep difficulties, fatigue, sugar cravings, breast pain/tenderness, bloating, headaches/migraines, hot flashes, brain fog, fertility challenges, low libido, acne, hair loss, endometriosis . . . AND the list goes on!

How do you know if you have a hormonal imbalance? Sometimes hormonal testing can be helpful! Testing can come in the form of blood, urine or saliva testing. This testing may be covered by insurance, but not always. More often than not, a health professional is able tease out the hormonal imbalance by taking a detailed history of symptoms. Occasionally additional testing is needed, but choosing the right provider to help you on your journey to discovery is key!

Can hormonal imbalances be treated? YES! ABSOLUTELY! 100%

There are Western and Eastern approaches to ALL hormone imbalances. Finding a practitioner that is savvy to both approaches is ideal because they are able to tailor your treatment plan using all the therapies available. Finding an Integrative practitioner that understands and recognizes myriad hormonal imbalances AND has the time and expertise to get to the root cause of your imbalance is the best way to start the journey.

About The Author

Dana Ramsey is a Certified Nurse Midwife and has spent the past 15 years helping women navigate their gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopausal challenges. Dana is dedicated to helping her patients overcome conditions impacting their ability to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy.

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