MENSTRUAL HORMONES 101: the what, when, & how of female hormone rhythm
HORMONE KEY
FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)
stimulates the ovary follicle to prepare an egg for ovulation + release estrogen
LUTENIZING HORMONE (LH)
triggers the ovary to release an egg at ovulation, which leaves an empty follicle (now called the corpus luteum)
ESTROGENS
prepares the uterus lining for possible pregnancy + thins cervical mucus (so sperm can enter)
PROGESTERONE
thickens + maintains uterine lining, turns off LH/FSH, triggers menstrual bleeding when it drops
TESTOSTERONE
much lower in women than men, but peaks around ovulation to increase libido (when she is most fertile)
MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASES
PHASE 1: MENSTRUAL
"not pregnant"
all hormone levels are low as the body sheds the old uterine lining
PHASE 2: FOLLICULAR
"preparing for pregnancy"
hormone levels rise as the ovary prepares an egg for ovulation
PHASE 3: OVULATORY
"likely to become pregnant"
many hormones peak (and rapidly drop) to trigger the egg release
PHASE 4: LUTEAL
"potentially pregnant"
the uterus lining thickens to nourish a (potentially) fertilized egg
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References
Menstrual Cycle. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle
Gaby, A. R. (2017). Nutritional Medicine (2nd ed.). Fritz Perlberg Publishing.