What Is A Hormone?

I am sure many women didn’t even understand what Hormones are in the first place. How do they work and why are they so important? I appreciate your work and I am sorry if it’s a silly question. Said Maria.

Now this is such a great question.

It’s definitely not a silly question as without having a basic understanding of Hormones, you can’t really understand the hormonal pattern of your menstrual cycle which is the foundation of the SHETO METHOD. It really takes guts to ask this question and I appreciate you, Maria.

So, Maria, I want to answer your question today in this blog. And if you want to understand what Hormones are, I have included a small video that simply explains hormones.

Women’s bodies are so incredible as our Hormones are changing not just week to week but years to years and decades to decades.… and by understanding our hormones (and how they change over the course of our lives), we can really get a better handle on our life.

With just a basic understanding of hormones, we can take both preventative steps as well as curative steps – to keep our bodies healthy as well as our menstrual and reproductive health thriving.

So in today’s video, I want to focus on 3 basic things…

1. What is a Hormone
2. How do Hormones work
3. The interplay of Hormones in the endocrine system.

Oh… and even if you feel ‘you already know this stuff’, I urge you to watch it anyway!

Everyone needs a Hormone refresher and I hope this video may help you or your teenage daughter to understand Hormone.

Let me start you with some hormone basics…

Estrogen:

Estrogen is a group of hormones responsible for the development and maintenance of female reproductive organs. It plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels rise during the first half of the menstrual cycle, leading to the growth of the uterine lining. It also contributes to secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development and widening of the hips.

Progesterone:

Progesterone is another essential hormone in the female reproductive system. It prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. If fertilization occurs, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy by supporting the implantation of the fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):

FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs) during the menstrual cycle. FSH also plays a role in regulating the production of estrogen.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH):

LH is also produced by the pituitary gland. It triggers ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. LH surge occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, leading to the rupture of the dominant follicle and the release of the egg.

Testosterone:

Although often associated with males, testosterone is also present in females. It is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone influences libido (sexual desire), energy levels, muscle mass, and bone strength. However, the levels of testosterone in females are much lower than in males.

Prolactin:

Prolactin is primarily associated with lactation. After childbirth, prolactin levels increase, stimulating milk production in the mammary glands. It helps sustain breastfeeding and supports infant nutrition.

Oxytocin:

Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone.” It plays a role in social bonding, trust, and emotional attachment. During childbirth, oxytocin causes uterine contractions, aiding in labor. It also stimulates milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH):

AMH is produced by the developing ovarian follicles. It reflects the ovarian reserve, indicating the number of remaining eggs in a woman’s ovaries. Lower AMH levels may suggest reduced fertility.