These terms are thrown around, but do we really understand the connection between hormones and fertility?

Throughout your menstrual cycle, your hormones are responsible for the emotional rollercoaster you may find yourself on. You likely become more aware of your hormones' direct impact on your body during these times, but they’re constantly working away in the background, keeping your body doing what it does best.

And let’s face it; there’s arguably nothing as impressive as the female body, and those hormones work hard!

We’ll cover all you need to know about the importance of hormones and the complexities of women’s reproductive health.

But first, let’s get personal with our hormones!

What are hormones?

Hormones, while sometimes unpredictable and frustrating, have vital roles to play. We all have them, even men. Hormones are the messengers of our body, responsible for regulating everything from our moods to our menstrual cycles.

Regarding reproductive health, hormones play a significant role in regulating the release of eggs, preparing the uterus for pregnancy, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

You may be thinking, “Hey, my hormones are absolutely fine. I don’t have any issues with my menstrual cycle or fertility.”

Well, hold onto those ponies for just a second!

Hormonal imbalances can be sneaky little creatures and can cause a host of issues, including irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, fatigue and sleep disturbances.

So, what can cause these hormonal imbalances?

Various factors, including stress, diet, exercise, and even environmental toxins, can play a role. Yup, that’s right. The world around us can have a significant impact on our hormones, and it’s up to us to take control and make the necessary changes to keep them in check.

Now, let’s talk about fertility.

As women, we have a limited number of eggs. Fun fact, we are born with all the eggs we will ever have, and as we age, we lose these eggs gradually through our menstrual cycle and other factors.

Sadly, this means when they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

That’s why we need to care for our reproductive health if we want a baby or a bunch of ‘em! Taking care of our bodies and reproductive health will ensure that we have the best chance of having a healthy pregnancy when the time comes and we’re ready!

So, what can we do to support our reproductive health and maintain healthy hormone levels?

We’ll take a deep dive into this throughout this blog, but on the surface, it starts with a healthy lifestyle. Don’t most things, though?

Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress levels can help keep our hormones in check. Additionally, talking to your doctor about any concerns and getting regular check-ups can help ensure that everything is on track.

Our hormones are incredibly complex, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty about which hormones impact our reproductive health.

Women’s Hormones and Fertility

Time for some science!

We know that our hormones play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the body for pregnancy. For a woman to become pregnant, there must be a delicate balance of hormones in the body, almost a Goldilocks recipe of hormones if you will, including estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, DHEA-s, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

When these hormones are balanced, our menstrual cycle is regular, and our bodies are primed for pregnancy. However, imbalances can occur, leading to problems such as irregular periods, infertility, and even mood swings which can be stressful for us to deal with.

We want everyone reading this to know that hormone levels can vary, which is completely normal, and while many factors can affect our hormonal balance, some things are out of our control. Each woman’s body is completely unique and fantastic in its own way. Our job is to help you better understand what is going on inside so you can care for yourself correctly.

Suppose you’re experiencing difficulties, especially with conception. How do you know which hormones aren’t balanced?

The Saguaro Bloom Women’s Complete Hormone Assessment can be a valuable tool in understanding the balance of hormones in the body. This assessment typically involves a blood test to measure hormone levels and discuss any symptoms or concerns with a doctor. Our medical provider can then develop a personalized plan to help balance hormones and maintain a healthy menstrual cycle and fertility.

So, what do your results mean, and what role does each hormone play?

Understanding Hormone Results

Get ready; we’re about to jump headfirst into the world of estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, DHEA-s, FSH, and LH.

These seven hormones are crucial in regulating our menstrual cycle, mood, energy levels, and ability to conceive.

Estrogen: Estrogen is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. It also helps to maintain healthy bones, skin, and heart. Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries that regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. High or low estrogen levels can indicate hormonal imbalance affecting fertility and health.

The right estrogen balance is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for pregnancy, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. High levels of estrogen can interfere with ovulation and menstrual regularity. This can make it more difficult for a woman to become pregnant. High estrogen levels can also increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, a condition where the lining of the uterus becomes thick and can lead to endometrial cancer.

Low levels of estrogen can also impact fertility by causing irregular periods, thinning of the endometrial lining, and decreased cervical mucus, which can make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Low estrogen levels can also cause hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, affecting sexual health.

Testosterone: Isn’t that just for men? Nope, women have testosterone just like men have estrogen. We’re really not that far apart! Testosterone may be more associated with men, but women also produce it. Testosterone is essential for regulating energy levels, mood, and sex drive.

Testosterone is a hormone produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and some peripheral tissues in women. While testosterone is important for overall health, an imbalance in testosterone levels can impact fertility.

High testosterone levels can interfere with ovulation and lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Elevated testosterone levels can also indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), making it more difficult for a woman to become pregnant. High testosterone levels can also cause acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and male pattern baldness, which can impact a woman’s self-esteem and quality of life.

Low testosterone can also impact fertility by reducing sexual desire and affecting energy levels. Low testosterone levels can also cause decreased muscle mass and decreased bone density, which impacts overall health.

Progesterone: This hormone is responsible for preparing the uterus for pregnancy and creating a safe, nurturing environment for your baby to grow, maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Low progesterone levels can cause irregular menstrual cycles and make it more difficult for a woman to become pregnant. Low levels can also increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor, as progesterone is integral for supporting the pregnancy in the early stages.

High progesterone levels can mean a hormonal imbalance or even pregnancy. In the case of pregnancy, high levels are a great sign as they are necessary to support the pregnancy and maintain the endometrial lining.

Prolactin: The milk hormone! This hormone stimulates the production of milk in the breasts after giving birth. Gosh, the body is amazing!

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in breastfeeding women.

Elevated levels of prolactin can also interfere with overall fertility. This is because it can suppress ovulation and get in the way of menstrual regularity, making it difficult for a woman to become pregnant. High levels of prolactin can also cause galactorrhea, which is the production of breast milk in women who are not breastfeeding.

Low levels of prolactin are not typically associated with infertility. However, low prolactin levels can indicate a pituitary disorder or a hypothalamic disorder, which can impact overall health.

DHEA-s: DHEA-s is the building block for all the other hormones and plays a role in regulating energy levels and maintaining healthy skin and bones.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (more easily referred to as DHEA-s!) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that can be converted into other hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. The right balance of DHEA-s is super important for overall health and fertility.

High levels of DHEA-s can indicate an adrenal or pituitary disorder or the use of certain medications. Elevated levels of DHEA-s can interfere with ovulation and menstrual regularity.

Low levels of DHEA-s can indicate adrenal insufficiency or aging. Low levels can also cause reduced energy levels and increase the risk of depression.

FSH: Stimulates the ovaries to release the eggs. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the growth and development of the follicles in the ovaries. The right balance of FSH is necessary for fertility.

High levels of FSH can indicate decreased ovarian reserve or perimenopause, making it more difficult for a woman to conceive. Elevated FSH levels can also indicate pituitary disorder or menopause.

Low levels of FSH can indicate a pituitary disorder or a hypothalamic disorder, which can impact overall health. In some cases, low levels of FSH can also indicate a problem with the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which can impact fertility.

As you can see, these hormones are interconnected and play a huge role in regulating our menstrual cycle and overall health.

But our bodies are constantly changing! It’s totally normal that our hormone levels will fluctuate throughout our lives. Hormones can be affected by many factors, including stress, weight changes and even medication use.

The Women’s Complete Hormone Assessment, like the at-home test we offer at Saguaro Bloom, takes a comprehensive look at all seven of these hormones and helps determine where any imbalances may be.

By understanding our hormones, we can take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy balance and keep our bodies functioning at their best! We always advise speaking with your medical provider to discuss your test results in detail to develop a personalized plan to help balance your hormones and get you back on track.

The Women’s Complete Hormone Assessment is a great starting point for a deeper understanding of our hormones and taking control of our reproductive health.

Saguaro Bloom is here to put your health back in your own hands!

How do hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle?

Women’s hormones change throughout their menstrual cycle in a complex but predictable pattern.

As we pointed out at the start, you likely know what you’re bodies up to based on how you’re feeling at certain times of the month!

The menstrual cycle is typically divided into three phases: the follicular phase, the luteal phase, and the menstrual phase.

1. The Follicular Phase: This phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the hormone estrogen dominates, and it stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries. One of these follicles will mature and eventually release an egg. As the follicles mature, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increases, and the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) begin to rise.
2. Ovulation: When the level of LH surges, it triggers ovulation, and the mature follicle releases an egg. Ovulation typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but this can vary depending on the length of the cycle. After ovulation, the follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces the hormone progesterone.
3. The Luteal Phase: This phase lasts from ovulation to the start of the next menstrual period. Progesterone dominates during this phase and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the levels of both estrogen and progesterone will decrease, and the menstrual period will begin. If the egg is fertilized, the hormone chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced, and it helps to maintain the corpus luteum and the levels of progesterone.

It’s important to remember that every woman’s menstrual cycle is different, and the length and patterns of hormone fluctuations can vary.

You should always consult your doctor if you have any concerns and get regular check-ups to ensure your hormones are balanced.

Altering Your Hormones

If you do find that you have a hormone imbalance, thankfully, there are ways you can alter them to increase your chances of pregnancy.

These include:

1. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress can help maintain a healthy balance of hormones in the body.
2. Taking Supplements: Some women may benefit from taking supplements, such as folic acid, iron, or vitamin D, to support hormone levels and improve fertility.
3. Medications: In some cases, women may need medication to regulate their hormones, such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotrophins, to stimulate ovulation.
4. Tracking Ovulation: Monitoring your menstrual cycle and using ovulation predictor kits can help you determine when you’re most fertile and increase your chances of conceiving.
5. Timing Intercourse: Having regular intercourse during the fertile window, which is typically two to three days before ovulation and the day of ovulation, can increase your chances of conceiving.
6. Seeking Medical Help: If you’re having trouble conceiving, talking to your doctor about your options, including fertility treatments, can be beneficial.

Hopefully, you feel a little more in tune with your hormones after reading this blog!

Saguaro Bloom’s at-home Women’s Complete Hormone Assessment will get you the results to track your hormone levels and reproductive health. With our traditional and leading-edge diagnostics, you can access your lab results through our easy-to-digest intuitive data via your online health profile.

We are committed to helping you understand your health and what you can do to improve it.

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