Healthwatch by Shyft

Women’s Health and the Role of Hormones

Women’s Health and the Role of Hormones
Content
Content

Hormones play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being – physical and mental. Understanding the key hormones and how they impact us can go a long way in identifying health issues brought on by imbalances.

What are Hormones?

Put simply, hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They are natural substances produced by different glands and help relay messages between cells and organs thereby affecting a variety of bodily functions. Everyone has what is considered ‘male’ and ‘female’ sex hormones. 

Role of Female Hormones

Estrogen and Progesterone are the two major and most commonly known female hormones. There are also a variety of other hormones which play a part in maintaining the body’s processes – let’s take a look at 5 key ones!

Estrogen

Estrogen is one of the two key female sex hormones, produced mostly in the ovaries, and in limited quantities in the adrenal glands and fat cells. It is primarily responsible for regulating puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. The hormone also affects the cardiovascular, hair, skin and urinary tract. Higher than usual levels of Estrogen increase risks for breast & uterine cancer, and can also lead to depression or general moodiness. Lower than-usual levels lead to issues like hair loss, acne and thinning skin. 

Progesterone

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and the placenta. This hormone is responsible for stabilizing menstrual cycles and preparing the body for pregnancy. Therefore its secretion increases during ovulation and spikes during pregnancy. Lower than normal levels of secretion can lead to irregular periods and difficulties in conceiving. 

Testosterone

While classified as the primary ‘male’ hormone, it may surprise you that Testosterone is also produced in females, although in much lower amounts. In women, the hormone affects fertility, menstruation, sexual desire and tissue & bone mass. Higher than usual secretion levels in women can cause more body & facial hair, irregular periods, low libido and acne. 

Cortisol

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland in both sexes and determines the body’s natural stress response. The hormone is responsible for dictating the ‘fight or flight’ response and shifts the body into survival mode in the presence of any danger. Higher than usual secretion of Cortisol can cause anxiety, hypertension and high cholesterol. Lower than normal levels can cause issues like fatigue, weakness, appetite loss and low blood pressure.

Serotonin

Serotonin is produced by the Pineal gland and is responsible for controlling our mood, memory, learning ability, sleep and overall mental well-being. Low levels of this hormone can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight gain and migraines. On the other hand, higher-than-normal levels can cause restlessness, confusion, high blood pressure and lethargy. 


Author:
Shyft Health

Shyft

linkedin
Shyft is your trusted source for health and wellness insights. We collaborate with a network of writers and health experts to curate evidence-based content. This content is further vetted and reviewed by our team of internal experts. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with reliable, accessible health information so you can make informed choices for a healthier life. read more

Over 20,000 customers have reduced their symptoms and improved their health by consulting Shyft's Clinical Nutritionists. When are you starting?

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
when new information becomes available.

Read more

Continue to read on a range of topics related to Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health and Sleep Health.

Understanding the Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

Imagine your gut as a bustling city filled with tiny micro-residents working tirelessly to keep you healthy and happy, but what happens when this city falls into chaos? Our gut is often referred to as the “second brain,” and for good reason. This complex system of nerves, hormones, and bacteria is in charge of digesting our food, absorbing nutrients, and supporting our immune system. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle can disrupt the delicate balance of our gut, leading to an unhealthy… Read more

Understanding the Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

Understanding the Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

Imagine your gut as a bustling city filled with tiny micro-residents working tirelessly to keep you healthy and happy, but what happens when this city falls into chaos? Our gut is often referred to as the “second brain,” and for good reason. This complex system of nerves, hormones, and bacteria is in charge of digesting our food, absorbing nutrients, and supporting our immune system. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle can disrupt the delicate balance of our gut, leading to an unhealthy…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

27 Apr 2023

Living With a Peanut Allergy

4 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Living With a Peanut Allergy

Being allergic to peanuts is one of the most frequent causes of life-threatening allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to peanuts may have a severe reaction to even the smallest untraceable amounts of peanuts(anaphylaxis). Child peanut allergies have been on the rise. If you or your child is suffering from peanut allergies and you are trying to incorporate changes to make your life easier then this guide is for you! If you are allergic to peanuts then you have an… Read more

Living With a Peanut Allergy

Living With a Peanut Allergy

Being allergic to peanuts is one of the most frequent causes of life-threatening allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to peanuts may have a severe reaction to even the smallest untraceable amounts of peanuts(anaphylaxis). Child peanut allergies have been on the rise. If you or your child is suffering from peanut allergies and you are trying to incorporate changes to make your life easier then this guide is for you! If you are allergic to peanuts then you have an…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

The Power of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health and Mood

When we think of essential nutrients for our body, vitamins and minerals may come to mind. However, did you know that omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for our overall health? Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play an important role in brain health and mood regulation. In this blog, we will explore the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in brain health and mood. Understanding Omega-3 Fatty Acids Before delving into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, let's understand… Read more

Most read

The Power of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health and Mood

The Power of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health and Mood

When we think of essential nutrients for our body, vitamins and minerals may come to mind. However, did you know that omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for our overall health? Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play an important role in brain health and mood regulation. In this blog, we will explore the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in brain health and mood. Understanding Omega-3 Fatty Acids Before delving into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, let's understand…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

05 Apr 2023

Most read

The Power of Fiber: Why You Need It in Your Diet

Fibre is an essential part of a balanced diet. It's often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in our digestive system and overall health. A diet rich in fibre can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. In this blog, we'll discuss the importance of fibre in a balanced diet, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your daily meals. What is fibre? Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based… Read more

The Power of Fiber: Why You Need It in Your Diet

The Power of Fiber: Why You Need It in Your Diet

Fibre is an essential part of a balanced diet. It's often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in our digestive system and overall health. A diet rich in fibre can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. In this blog, we'll discuss the importance of fibre in a balanced diet, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your daily meals. What is fibre? Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

05 Apr 2023

Checkout some healthy recipes that taste good, approved by our nutritionists

View all
Understanding Metabolism

Baked Feta Chickpeas

A simple, delicious & healthy meal - a fantastic appetizer or meal on its own.

11 INGREDIENTS

|

60 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Cheese Soup

A creamy blend of cheese & vegetables perfect for a cold winter day!

9 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Whole Wheat Waffles

Crisp, light and super easy-to-make waffles - no one will ever suspect they're made with 100% whole wheat flour!

11 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Vegetable Frankie

Spiced vegetables wrapped in chappati - a satiating snack that can be relished even on the go!

6 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Beetroot Chilla

A nutrient dense recipe with added benefits of beetroot & gram flour.

7 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Spinach Khichdi

A wholesome dish made with lentils, rice and spinach

13 INGREDIENTS

|

45 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Omlette Curry

An appetizing curry made with cut pieces of egg omelette

9 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Apple Ginger Chutney

Zesty peppery and sweet, with a pungent and spicy aroma

7 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

View all