While we are often taught by culture to fear, or at least dread, the affects of our menstrual cycle, understanding our hormonal fluctuations can be one of our greatest assets! In this episode, we are breaking down the basics of how our cycles work, including what the major hormones at play are, what happens in each of our phases, what fluctuations you might expect during each phase, and some common imbalances to look out for. Let’s dive in…

Resources

All things estrogen:

https://gremjournal.com/journal/01-2022/changes-in-serum-testosterone-during-the-menstrual-cycle-an-integrative-systematic-review-of-published-literature/#:~:text=Testosterone%20peak%20at%20mid%20cycle,where%20daily%20sampling%20was%20done

https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/estrogen-and-menstrual-cycle-humans 

More on estrogen’s effects:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/estrogens-effects-on-the-female-body 

All things progesterone:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558960/ 

Simple explanation of LH’s  and FSH’s roles

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/luteinizing-hormone-lh-levels-test/#:~:text=LH%20plays%20an%20important%20role,an%20egg%20from%20the%20ovary

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test/#:~:text=FSH%20plays%20an%20important%20role,the%20eggs%20ready%20for%20ovulation

Some charts showing the ebb and flow of hormones throughout your cycle

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle 

Basic explanation of energy fluctuations throughout cycle

https://www.yourfertility.org.au/energy-levels-metabolism-understanding-your-menstrual-cycle-can-be-key-achieving-exercise-goals 

Estrogen Dominance

https://www.letsgetchecked.com/articles/estrogen-dominance-symptoms-and-signs/ 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22363-high-estrogen 

https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/estrogen-dominance.asp#:~:text=Many%20conditions%20are%20thought%20to,endometriosis%2C%20and%20polycystic%20ovarian%20syndrome

Progesterone disorders

https://www.letsgetchecked.com/articles/high-progesterone-levels-signs-and-side-effects/