Hormones & The Cycle
Original Sources & Further Reading:
Merck Manuals — Menstrual Cycle
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycleNHS — Periods & Fertility in the Menstrual Cycle
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/MSD Manuals — Biology of the Female Reproductive System
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycleProgressive Women’s Health Online — How Your Hormones Affect Menstruation
https://www.progressivewomenshealthonline.com/blog/how-your-hormones-affect-menstruation
Your Body’s Monthly Messaging System
Your menstrual cycle is controlled by a delicate hormonal conversation between your brain, ovaries and uterus every month to prepare for a possible pregnancy. This hormonal rhythm influences not only your fertility, but also how you feel physically and emotionally throughout the month.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers your body uses to send instructions between organs, like texts your brain sends to your ovaries and uterus to tell them what to do next.
In the menstrual cycle, several key hormones work together to regulate the timing of egg development, ovulation and the shedding of the uterine lining.
The Key Hormones In Your Cycle
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Made in the pituitary gland in your brain.
Signals the ovaries to start maturing eggs each cycle.
Early in the cycle, rising FSH helps several follicles begin growing.
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Also from the pituitary gland.
When estrogen reaches a high level, it triggers a surge in LH.
This LH surge triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg.
Estrogen
Made by growing follicles in the ovaries.
As estrogen rises, your uterine lining thickens to prepare for a potential pregnancy.
Estrogen also supports ovulation and signals the brain to trigger LH release.
Progesterone
Produced after ovulation by the structure left behind in the ovary (the corpus luteum).
Helps keep the uterine lining rich and ready for an embryo to implant.
If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone falls, and your cycle resets.
Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with concerns about your health