Estrogen and Progesterone’s Effect on Overall Health

FEMM frequently emphasizes the point that women’s reproductive health affects the health of the entire body. This is true in many ways, some of which will be detailed in this post. To begin raising awareness for women’s health and create a change in the modern medical approach to women’s healthcare, the importance of estrogen and progesterone on overall health must be addressed.

For women, estrogen and progesterone are at differing levels at different points during the ovulation cycle (commonly known as the menstrual cycle). The changing levels of these hormones dictate many things. If one is “off”, the other will most likely also be. For example, if a follicle does not grow properly, estrogen will not rise high enough to trigger ovulation. If ovulation does not happen, progesterone will not rise. There is a system here that is important to pay attention to. When our reproductive system is healthy, the rest of our body is healthier. The points detailed below show the power of each hormone. Healthy levels of each balance the effects of the other.

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Estrogen:

• normal levels:

  • promote well being

  • stimulates brain cells

  • dilates blood vessels and increases the flow of blood

  • assists with the formation of bone

• high levels:

  • increases anxiety

  • causes fluid retention

  • elevates blood sugar

  • increases blood clotting

  • proliferates breast tissue and the endometrium

Progesterone:

• normal levels:

  • promotes sleep and relaxation

  • decreases anxiety

  • maintains and heals brain cells

  • assists with diuresis (fluid excretion)

  • normalizes blood sugar

  • normalizes blood clotting

  • relaxes blood vessels

  • maintains bones

  • normalizes breast tissue and maintains the endometrium

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The hormonal interplays in the human body are complex and unique. When hormones are in harmony, the body’s chances of feeling better are higher. Fertility awareness methods allow women to understand the importance of reproductive health and the relation to overall health. Charting cervical mucus biomarkers gives women a voice in their healthcare and helps them find ways to heal.

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Resources:

The science. FEMM Health. (2020, October 13). https://femmhealth.org/the-science/