7 Hormones Every Woman Should Monitor for Reproductive Health

For women, hormonal imbalance though common still remains a mystery. This is because it is a common occurrence even in the healthiest of women and if not regulated can affect reproductive health. However, it is not enough to recognize the signs of hormonal imbalance, it is equally vital to know which particular hormones to look out for.

Are you aware that your body has more than 50 types of hormones that function like a group of construction workers with different fields of expertise? Even a small change in this group can lead to a shaky foundation that can eventually collapse if not managed effectively. Your organs and tissues release these hormones into the body to control various metabolic processes. Thus this article reveals 7 hormones that all women should monitor for reproductive health.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance in Women?

The stages of life ( i.e. purberty, reproductive years and menopause) is the main culprit behind hormonal imbalance in women. This include; puberty, menstruation and menopause. Other causes of hormonal imbalance include;

• Eating disorders such as anorexia
• Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid-associated conditions such as hypothyroidism
• Birth control pills
• Exposure to environmental chemicals
• Chronic stress

The 7 Key Hormones Every Woman Should Monitor

1. Estrogen:

This is one of the main female sex hormones that regulates the menstrual cycle and secondary sexual characteristics. The ovaries majorly produce estrogen although other organs can also produce this hormone. Monitoring estrogen levels is essential because it provides good insight into how well the ovaries and your menstrual cycle function. The importance of estrogen extends far beyond its role in reproduction as it influences various body functions. This includes cardiovascular and bone and brain health and cognitive functioning. Low levels of estrogen cause various symptoms of menopause such as dry skin, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, brain fog, etc.

2. Progesterone:

This is a steroid hormone which primarily helps prepare the body for pregnancy.  Progesterone can be measured to determine whether ovulation has occurred. During early pregnancy, progesterone measurements can be used alongside the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to diagnose ectopic pregnancy or unsuccessful pregnancy. Also, for people who have had multiple miscarriages and find it difficult carrying pregnancy to full term, progesterone levels are monitored as low levels can lead to miscarriage.

3. Luteinising hormone (LH):

This is a hormone that triggers ovulation which is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. If your LH levels are too low or excessively elevated, it can interfere with ovulation. High LH levels can be seen in people with PCOS which can cause irregular ovulation and menstrual periods.

4. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH):

This is an essential and largely unknown hormone vital for fertility and reproductive health.The follicles of the ovaries produce AMH, which houses your eggs.Since the follicles make AMH, your AMH levels can give insight into your ovarian reserve or how many eggs you have when it is tested.Generally, age declines AMH levels, and lifestyle factors such as conditions like PCOS can accelerate this decline.Thus, people of 35 years and above should monitor their AMH levels because high levels of this hormone can indicate PCOS.Also, doctors can use AMH to predict higher chances of successful pregnancy during fertility procedures such as IVF

5. Testosterone:

Although popularly known as the male hormone, women produce this as well since it is associated with libido and maintenance of vaginal, breast and bone health. High levels of testosterone is one of the hallmark symptoms of PCOS and is associated with excessive facial and body hair. On the other hand, low levels of testosterone can affect mood and libido in post-menopausal women.

6. Prolactin:

Most peope commonly associate this hormone with stimulating the production of breast milk in lactating women. However, stress can trigger high levels of prolactin, which can cease ovulation and lead to irregular periods. The symptoms of high prolactin levels include headaches, milky white discharge from the nipples, etc. 

7. Thyroid hormones: 

Your thyroid gland produces these hormones and they play vital roles in metabolic processes in the body. These roles include regulating metabolism, fertility, temperature control and mood. High or low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone indicate that your body produces too much or very little thyroid hormones.This can prevent ovulation and make your periods irregular.

How to Restore Hormonal Balance

The hormones in your body control several metabolic activities and this is why hormonal imbalance can lead to fertility issues. Having hormonal imbalance is nothing new as long as you are aware that you can restore hormonal harmony by using NATURE’SFIELD VITEX CHASTEBERRY.

You shouldn’t wait till you want to conceive to monitor your hormones because the longer you wait, the longer it will take to be resolved. Therefore, get NATURE’SFIELD VITEX CHASTEBERRY and have your hormones work in unison to maintain your reproductive health.