As a woman, your body goes through many changes throughout your lifetime. Hormones play a critical role in your overall health and well-being.

They are responsible for regulating everything from your menstrual cycle to your mood, energy, and immune system. Understanding the hormones that control women’s health is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing disease.

1. Estrogen

Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone and is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts and pubic hair.

This hormone is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. Estrogen levels are at their highest during the reproductive years and decline during menopause.

Estrogen is essential for maintaining healthy bones, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. Low levels of estrogen can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.

2. Progesterone

Progesterone is another female sex hormone that plays a critical role in reproductive health. This hormone is produced in the ovaries and is responsible for thickening the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy.

If pregnancy occurs, progesterone helps to maintain the pregnancy by relaxing the smooth muscles and increasing blood flow to the uterus.

Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and are at their highest during the luteal phase (the phase after ovulation). Low levels of progesterone can lead to irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant.

Other symptoms of low progesterone include anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.

3. Testosterone

While testosterone is typically thought of as a male hormone, it is also produced in small amounts in females. Testosterone plays a critical role in female reproductive health by helping to maintain bone density, muscle mass, and sex drive.

It is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands and declines with age.

Women with low levels of testosterone may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, and decreased sex drive. Women with high levels of testosterone may experience acne, excess facial and body hair, and irregular periods.

4. Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid gland produces several hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. These hormones are important for maintaining healthy weight, energy levels, and cognitive function.

Women are more likely than men to experience thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

5. Cortisol

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, a hormone that helps the body respond to stress. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and declining in the evening.

Chronic stress can lead to high cortisol levels, which can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and immune system dysfunction.

While cortisol is essential for maintaining the body’s stress response, chronic stress and high cortisol levels can lead to a range of health issues.

Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help to regulate cortisol levels and improve overall health.

6. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the menstrual cycle and ovulation. FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, which contain the egg cells.

FSH levels are at their highest during the follicular phase (the phase before ovulation) and decline during the luteal phase.

High levels of FSH can indicate a decreased ovarian reserve, which can make it more difficult to get pregnant. Low levels of FSH can indicate a malfunctioning pituitary gland or premature ovarian failure.

7. Luteinizing Hormone

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is another hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the menstrual cycle and ovulation. LH triggers ovulation by causing the ovarian follicle to rupture and release the egg cell.

LH levels surge right before ovulation and then decline rapidly.

Irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation (lack of ovulation) can be caused by abnormal LH levels. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have elevated levels of LH, which can lead to irregular periods, acne, and excess facial and body hair.

8. Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in breastfeeding women. Elevated levels of prolactin outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to irregular periods, infertility, and decreased sex drive.

High levels of prolactin can be caused by a pituitary gland tumor or medication side effects. Treatment may include medication to reduce prolactin levels or surgery to remove the tumor.

9. Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin levels rise in the evening and decline in the morning, helping to regulate the body’s natural sleep rhythm.

Low levels of melatonin have been linked to sleep disorders and mood disorders such as depression. Melatonin supplements are a popular natural remedy for sleep disturbances and jet lag.

10. Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy and store excess glucose as fat.

Women with insulin resistance or diabetes may experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and increased risk of heart disease.

A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for regulating insulin levels and maintaining overall health.